Spanish Police Dramatically Intercept Immigrants by Cutting Their Boat in Half

It’s a video making waves across social media. Spanish national police intercepted a boat carrying migrants attempting to reach Spanish territory in North Africa on Sunday illegally. In a shocking turn of events, they collided with the migrant vessel, as reported by the U.K. Telegraph.

Despite the alarming nature of this incident, unbelievably, there were no serious injuries reported. However, the images from this event have sparked intense reactions online.

A High-Stakes Chase Off Melilla’s Coast

The Telegraph details how the Spanish boat was part of the country’s Guardia Civil, patrolling near Melilla—a small Spanish enclave that borders Morocco in North Africa. The authorities were engaged in a high-speed chase with a boat carrying four passengers when disaster struck.

The collision was dramatic but thankfully resulted in only one person needing brief hospitalization; all others were rescued immediately.

Diverse Reactions to Police Action

“That’s how you stop illegal immigrants from illegally crossing into your country,” declared Turning Point UK, a British offshoot of the conservative American organization Turning Point USA.

A Growing Frustration Among Citizens

“Everyone has had enough,” wrote Tommy Robinson, a British conservative political activist, reflecting the sentiments shared by many who feel overwhelmed by ongoing migration issues.

The Origin and Implications of Migrant Movement

The migrants’ boat is believed to have originated from Morocco. According to reports from the left-wing British publication The Guardian, local human rights organizations described this encounter as “violent and dangerous.” Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, took to social media to label the police action as “dangerously aggressive.”

Investigations Underway Following Collision

In response to this incident, Moroccan authorities are reportedly investigating what transpired during the encounter according to The Telegraph. However, it appears that Spain sees no need for such inquiries at this time.

As noted by The Telegraph, “Spain’s two enclaves on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Ceuta and Melilla, share the only land borders of the European Union with Africa.” These areas frequently experience waves of attempted crossings by migrants desperate to reach Europe.