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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be deeply concerned about the recent influx of 30k+ undocumented arrivals in Spain?

736 replies

ChirpyUmberBiscuit · 31/07/2026 13:17

AIBU to feel really unsettled by the recent news coming out of Spain and Ceuta? Reports are showing that tens of thousands of undocumented migrants have crossed over in such a short window, completely overwhelming local infrastructure, reception centers, and security forces.

I know migration is always a sensitive and compassionate topic, but looking at these numbers practically, I don't see how any European border region can absorb 30,000 to 50,000 arrivals almost overnight without severe strain on public resources, local housing, and emergency services.

What worries me even more is the precedent it sets for the rest of Europe and the UK down the line. Surely there has to be a firm balance between humanitarian support and actual, enforceable border control?

Am I being completely unreasonable to view this as a serious policy and security crisis, or are others feeling equally concerned about where this leads?

Would love to hear honest thoughts on how this should actually be handled!

OP posts:
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bafta16 · 01/08/2026 20:54

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 20:47

Well put it this way, those young men coming here on boats and leaving their wives and children behind are not coming here to flee war torn countries while passing through multiple safe countries to get here are they. So that would leave economic, opportunistic, criminals and those with an agenda (certainly not climate change 🤣). Or is that too complicated for you to understand?

Oh I thought you had something new to say. Apparently not.

I didn't mention climate change and I am not in favour of rape and violence.

Oh, and I'm not stupid either.

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 20:57

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 20:54

Oh I thought you had something new to say. Apparently not.

I didn't mention climate change and I am not in favour of rape and violence.

Oh, and I'm not stupid either.

Oh and I’m still waiting for you to explain what relevance the English colonising other countries many years ago, even centuries ago in some cases has to do with mass illegal migration into the UK and why the English of today should be punished with mass illegal migration because our ancestors colonised other countries before we were even born?? You have conveniently ignored my question 🤣

Obviously have nothing new to say yourself and you’re just reading stuff off the woke lefty script!

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:04

Why is it that there’s all this outrage on the streets about the potential threat of violence from foreign men and no riots over the sickening rate of violence (sexual and otherwise) committed by British men every day towards their partners and children?

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:06

Oh and I’m still waiting for you to explain what relevance the English colonising other countries many years ago
As mentioned the people of these countries often speak English, were educated in English,and therefore feel it might work for them.

punished with mass illegal migration I don't agree that its a punshment.

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:07

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:04

Why is it that there’s all this outrage on the streets about the potential threat of violence from foreign men and no riots over the sickening rate of violence (sexual and otherwise) committed by British men every day towards their partners and children?

Why indeed? Why are those who are so outraged often abusers and criminals?

Batrat · 01/08/2026 21:08

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:06

Oh and I’m still waiting for you to explain what relevance the English colonising other countries many years ago
As mentioned the people of these countries often speak English, were educated in English,and therefore feel it might work for them.

punished with mass illegal migration I don't agree that its a punshment.

If it’s not a punishment, what is it ?

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:09

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:06

Oh and I’m still waiting for you to explain what relevance the English colonising other countries many years ago
As mentioned the people of these countries often speak English, were educated in English,and therefore feel it might work for them.

punished with mass illegal migration I don't agree that its a punshment.

You used the line “well if England hadn’t colonised”. So basically you were blaming the English of today for stuff that happened years ago before we were even born and had no control of.
Using the excuse that they can speak English to justify mass illegal migration is not an excuse at all. They can speak their mother tongue as well which is surely easier for them, yet they decide to leave their own country!

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:10

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:04

Why is it that there’s all this outrage on the streets about the potential threat of violence from foreign men and no riots over the sickening rate of violence (sexual and otherwise) committed by British men every day towards their partners and children?

Both are disgusting. But just because we have domestic rapists doesn't mean we should import mor.

Batrat · 01/08/2026 21:10

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:07

Why indeed? Why are those who are so outraged often abusers and criminals?

It’s most of the country who are outraged.

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:11

Batrat · 01/08/2026 21:08

If it’s not a punishment, what is it ?

They don't exactly improve UK society do they

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:13

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:09

You used the line “well if England hadn’t colonised”. So basically you were blaming the English of today for stuff that happened years ago before we were even born and had no control of.
Using the excuse that they can speak English to justify mass illegal migration is not an excuse at all. They can speak their mother tongue as well which is surely easier for them, yet they decide to leave their own country!

I am pointing out the history of colonisation and immigration. I also said its a big mess and in addition I wonder why the Home Office can't do their jobs effectively. What is behind all this....what is behind the situation in Cuenta?
I fear I am wasting my time.

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:16

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:13

I am pointing out the history of colonisation and immigration. I also said its a big mess and in addition I wonder why the Home Office can't do their jobs effectively. What is behind all this....what is behind the situation in Cuenta?
I fear I am wasting my time.

You’re backtracking on a lot of stuff you’ve said aren’t you 🤣

And again, what the fuck has colonisation from many years ago got to do with the mass illegal immigration in the UK in 2026? Fuck all that’s what.

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:17

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:10

Both are disgusting. But just because we have domestic rapists doesn't mean we should import mor.

I hope you’re being wilfully obtuse and not just dim. Why is rape and sex-based violence tolerated in a way that the mere possibility of it from foreigners isn’t? Where are the demonstrations when yet another woman gets murdered by their British partner?

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:19

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:16

You’re backtracking on a lot of stuff you’ve said aren’t you 🤣

And again, what the fuck has colonisation from many years ago got to do with the mass illegal immigration in the UK in 2026? Fuck all that’s what.

Please direct me to the back tracking?
If you can't see the link, well there are no words.

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:19

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:17

I hope you’re being wilfully obtuse and not just dim. Why is rape and sex-based violence tolerated in a way that the mere possibility of it from foreigners isn’t? Where are the demonstrations when yet another woman gets murdered by their British partner?

Why is it that when immigration is mentioned, you lefties go on about the crimes committed by British people. We KNOW British people commit crimes. The uproar is about thousands more just being allowed to pour into the UK from 3rd world countries, being housed near schools, women, children and committing rapes, crimes and murders. These crimes would not have happened if they hadn’t been allowed into the country and dispersed into communities! What we are saying is we don’t want all this shit on top of our own home grown criminals. What part of that don’t you understand??

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:20

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 21:17

I hope you’re being wilfully obtuse and not just dim. Why is rape and sex-based violence tolerated in a way that the mere possibility of it from foreigners isn’t? Where are the demonstrations when yet another woman gets murdered by their British partner?

Both are disgusting and make me feel sick

But if we already have our own domestic sickos and rapists, why import more in?

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:20

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:19

Please direct me to the back tracking?
If you can't see the link, well there are no words.

I give up! Go and make up some more stories. Hopefully better ones than you’ve already posted today 🤣

Sarilliam · 01/08/2026 21:25

Yes you are, Spanish government has reacted promptly and only around 2K are still in the process of being sent back, all the rest are back in Morocco. Sadly 50+ lost their lives.

Clavinova · 01/08/2026 21:32

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 21:06

Oh and I’m still waiting for you to explain what relevance the English colonising other countries many years ago
As mentioned the people of these countries often speak English, were educated in English,and therefore feel it might work for them.

punished with mass illegal migration I don't agree that its a punshment.

As mentioned the people of these countries often speak English, were educated in English, and therefore feel it might work for them.

Perhaps we should give asylum seekers an English test when they first arrive then. Those who pass a written and oral test can stay - whereas those who failed to take advantage of British colonisation and learn English can't stay. It's one way of differentiating the masses and would save tens if not hundreds of millions of pounds on interpreters and translation costs.

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:33

In many parts of London residents can't speak English

Greenleavesandsunshine · 01/08/2026 21:36

I’m a leftie.
However, facts are facts. Men from countries like Syria and Afghanistan are significantly more likey to commit sex crimes. Look to Sweden where they publish figures with country of birth. That is not to say that Swedish men do not commit sex crimes it’s just others are way, way more likely to do so. This does not mean these people are not traumatised or they are not people.
We need to be clear eyed. If we let in young men from countries with a track record of significant violence against women and lack of women’s rights then a number of these young men will bring that violence with them.
They might be coming to the U.K. because of past crimes we have committed or colonisation or for a variety of other reasons. You need to ask yourself are you prepared to risk the young women - of all cultures in the U.K. - being exposed to these attitudes and actions. Is your belief in the U.K.’s past guilt worth subjecting young women in the U.K. to this violence?
It’s uncomfortable but we have to act to protect young women in the U.K.

likelysuspect · 01/08/2026 21:47

bafta16 · 01/08/2026 18:49

The relevance is that due to the UK colonizing,some countries have English as a Second Language. That has been cited to me ( in conversation with people seeking asylum ) as a pull factor.
The demographic has changed though, of course.

Most dont have English as a second language, let alone any language, do you work with asylum seekers?

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 22:02

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 21:19

Why is it that when immigration is mentioned, you lefties go on about the crimes committed by British people. We KNOW British people commit crimes. The uproar is about thousands more just being allowed to pour into the UK from 3rd world countries, being housed near schools, women, children and committing rapes, crimes and murders. These crimes would not have happened if they hadn’t been allowed into the country and dispersed into communities! What we are saying is we don’t want all this shit on top of our own home grown criminals. What part of that don’t you understand??

You should care more about the ACTUAL REAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE being committed than the POSSIBLE THEORETICAL ONES. Capital letters for emphasis.

If you want to prevent crime based on who is most likely to commit it, I’m pretty sure most men of any ilk should be banished somewhere, since the statistics are pretty damning on who commits violence. Why stop at skin colour or cultural origin when gender alone would take care of the problem, whether homegrown or not?

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 22:02

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 22:02

You should care more about the ACTUAL REAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE being committed than the POSSIBLE THEORETICAL ONES. Capital letters for emphasis.

If you want to prevent crime based on who is most likely to commit it, I’m pretty sure most men of any ilk should be banished somewhere, since the statistics are pretty damning on who commits violence. Why stop at skin colour or cultural origin when gender alone would take care of the problem, whether homegrown or not?

If we have violent natives no need to make things worse by importing violent foreigners.

glowfrog · 01/08/2026 22:06

ShautyMels · 01/08/2026 21:20

Both are disgusting and make me feel sick

But if we already have our own domestic sickos and rapists, why import more in?

I repeat: where is the outrage about the domestic sickos and rapists?

As per my reply to another poster, you should care more about ACTUAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE being committed rather than POSSIBLE THEORETICAL ONES. If you care about preventing crime based on who’s likely to commit it, why stop at skin colour and ethnic background? Go with the gender and banish men somewhere, that’ll take care of both the domestic and foreign criminals.