The Guardia Civil carried out an operation on Monday that resulted in the arrest of the Guzmanes clan leaders, Jose and Jesus, two brothers with extensive criminal records linked to the February 9 incident in Barbate where two guards died in a narco-boat crash. The pair were part of a group that confronted officers on March 5 shouting The phrase that referenced the dead guards and conveyed a threatening attitude toward the authorities involved in protecting the Barbate post. The charges tied to this event connect to the broader clashes witnessed in the same Cádiz town that day.
These two arrests follow three others in recent days, with those individuals remaining out on provisional liberty while awaiting trial. The four suspects were spotted at the Barbate barracks shortly after a patrol stopped a speeding car carrying four men. One of the occupants returned to the vehicle, started the car again, and nearly struck an officer. The four then began heckling the officers, escalating the confrontation.
The Interior Ministry deployed a unit from the Group of Reserve and Security, the GRS, last Friday to conduct checks across various areas of Barbate, including the neighborhood where some of the protest participants live, according to insiders cited by El Correo de Andalucía.
For Marlaska and Barbate’s mayor, it was described as a street incident
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska characterized the events as a street incident during press remarks on March 6. He said this sort of confrontation happens in many parts of the country and does not carry substantial significance or impact, a stance that drew attention and debate amid growing tensions in the region.
In the same vein, Barbate’s mayor, Miguel Molina, who represents the Andalusia for Itself party, argued that protests occur after detentions in many towns. He described the events as an altercation rather than an assault and urged respect for the media, noting that Barbate has been in the spotlight for two weeks. He emphasized the need for calm and proportional responses from authorities and locals alike.
Guardia Civil unions voice critical reactions
The Cádiz branch of the Association of Unified Guardia Civiles (AUGC Cádiz) issued a sharp critique of Marlaska’s statements and of the Barbate court decision to grant provisional liberty to the first three detainees. The association warned that simply labeling the actions as street incidents does not reflect the level of threats faced by officers and urged authorities to consider the broader context of the protests, including direct threats faced by law enforcement. The group also used social media to voice their concerns about the treatment of the case and the safety of officers.
Similarly, AUGC Andalucía articulated discontent with the minister’s comments, stressing that daily incidents and the level of intimidation seen in this particular case deserve more serious attention. The union underscored the persistent pattern of unrest that can accompany detentions in various regions, while calling for measured responses to protect officers and maintain public order. These reactions illustrate the sensitivity surrounding how such events are portrayed by officials and reported by local media.
Overall, the situation highlights the tension between law enforcement actions and community responses in Barbate, with officials emphasizing judicial process and public safety, while unions and some residents urge careful handling of protests and a clear acknowledgment of the risks faced by officers on the ground. The ongoing developments are watched closely by regional authorities and national observers alike, as communities seek to balance accountability, safety, and the right to peaceful expression.