A new debate has erupted in Spain over how the military should act amid the rising number of migrants arriving by sea. As some politicians call for tougher measures, the armed forces have made their stance clear: the navy will not serve as a tool to combat illegal migration.
Spain’s naval high command has indicated that, when encountering overcrowded boats, the top priority will always be to provide assistance and save lives. Naval vessels that come across a vessel in distress are obligated to act in accordance with international maritime law—to pull people from the water, not to prevent them from landing on shore.
The proposal to increase the navy’s presence in areas where migrant boats are most frequently spotted was put forward by members of the VOX party. They suggested sending more warships to the African coast, including waters near the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, believing that this could stem the flow of undocumented migrants. However, the military did not support the initiative, stressing that their mission is to save, not to block.
During the discussions, participants also recalled European operations involving Spanish frigates. For instance, as part of a mission to combat human trafficking in the Mediterranean, sailors faced tragic situations: hundreds of people unable to swim ended up in the water, and it was not always possible to save everyone. Such moments weigh heavily on the crews, as they are forced to choose whom to rescue first and whom they may not reach in time.
The military also emphasized that migration issues fall under the responsibility of the government, not the armed forces. The navy can assist in humanitarian missions and cooperate with countries from which migrants depart, but is not tasked with intercepting boats. As a result, despite political debates, the position of the military remains unchanged: saving lives is the main priority, not combating migration at sea.
