The incident at the Juvenile Education and Detention Center in Juslibol, Zaragoza, has once again raised concerns about the safety of such institutions in Spain. A mass brawl between youths linked to Latin American gangs escalated into a full-fledged riot, leaving not only the center’s staff but also police officers injured. For Spanish society, this is a troubling signal: the problem of youth violence and the vulnerability of personnel is becoming increasingly acute.
The incident took place during the day, when a conflict erupted between two groups of minors at the facility. Staff attempted to break up the fighting, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. One of the guards lost the keys to his post, allowing the rioters to open several doors and act with extreme aggression. Police were called immediately, and rapid response units as well as medical teams arrived on the scene.
How events unfolded
Within minutes, the center was plunged into chaos. Five riot police vans, three patrol units and several ambulances were deployed to stabilize the situation. Nine national police officers suffered minor injuries, and between six and ten center employees and guards were also hurt. Despite the scale of the incident, order was restored fairly quickly, and several of those involved in the unrest were detained.
Regional authorities have confirmed that the conflict was sparked by disagreements between members of two well-known Latin American gangs residing in the facility. The outbreak of violence forced the center’s administration and law enforcement to act according to strict protocols to prevent further escalation. All those injured received the necessary medical assistance.
Response and Aftermath
The incident has sparked a wave of outrage among unions and staff within the system. Police representatives voiced dissatisfaction with the level of staff protection and the lack of resources to prevent such incidents. According to them, these episodes of aggression are not isolated cases but reflect systemic issues in working with juvenile offenders.
There had already been previous episodes of violence at the facility. Earlier this year, another fight broke out between the same gangs, injuring two teachers. In November last year, unions also reported attacks on guards and staff, highlighting a shortage of personnel and the lack of safe rooms for shelter during conflicts.
Systemic challenges
The center in Juslibol operates as a correctional facility where minors serve sentences by court order. Some of them have already reached adulthood but remain in the center until their sentence ends. Legislation regulating the responsibility of minors faces criticism from staff and police, who demand stricter measures and increased protection for personnel.
Unions emphasize that such incidents undermine the authority of staff and create an atmosphere of impunity among the youths. In 2024, more than 17,000 attacks on law enforcement officials were recorded nationwide, indicating a rise in aggression and the need to reconsider security approaches in such institutions.
Context and similar incidents
In recent years, Spain has faced a growing number of conflicts in juvenile centers. Incidents of riots, attacks on staff, and mass fights between groups have been reported in different regions of the country. In some cases, the consequences were even more serious: staff suffered severe injuries, and facilities were temporarily closed for security reviews. The issue of reforming the juvenile justice system and strengthening worker protection remains one of the most pressing topics on the public agenda.
