A group of approximately twenty migrants gathered in Guardamar del Segura yesterday morning, Monday May 11th, to call for more urgency in the processing of their administrative regularisation. The demonstration took place outside the Maristas reception centre between 8:00 and 10:00.
The Mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, has sought to downplay the intensity of the event, firmly dismissing any suggestions that the gathering constituted a riot. He clarified that it was not a rebellion, but rather a specific protest by a small number of residents from the centre.
Currently, around 300 individuals are part of the humanitarian reception programme at these facilities, where staff process their files. According to the Mayor, the protest stemmed from the perception among some residents that their administrative paperwork is not progressing as quickly as they would like. He explained that some individuals have not yet seen the start of their regularisation process and have decided to gather to ask for the procedures to be expedited.
The situation was resolved without any significant incidents. The gathering dispersed by 10:00, and access to the centre returned to normal. Local municipal sources confirmed that no further alterations or disturbances were recorded throughout the afternoon.
The local council has insisted that the reception programme is developing normally and without conflict with the local community. Mayor Sáez concluded by stating that the situation is entirely under control and remains peaceful.