A Spanish farmer recently attacked at his farm by two Moroccan nationals has slammed the lack of protection and enforcement offered by the authorities in the face of an alarming rise in thefts and violent crime committed by illegal migrants.
In the town of El Ejido in the province of Almería, a farmer identified as Alejandro was attacked by two men of North African origin last Wednesday night as he defended his farm from a robbery attempt.
The assailants, armed with a machete, attempted to steal from the property while a third accomplice, a young Moroccan woman, helped them flee. The violent incident highlights the growing sense of insecurity in the region, where residents feel abandoned by authorities amid a rise in crimes.
Alejandro recounted the event to local media, stating that he had spotted two men attempting to break into his farm via security cameras in the early hours of the morning. Acting swiftly, he notified the Civil Guard and his brother, with whom he confronted the attackers. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a young woman in a car, which was later found to be stolen. The woman fled, leaving behind her mobile phone.
The situation escalated when the two assailants attacked the brothers with a machete, damaging their SUV before fleeing as the police arrived. Alejandro sustained minor injuries and later expressed his frustration over the ordeal and the increasing violence across Almería.
“This is the third time I’ve been robbed, and it’s always the same people. We know who they are, and so do the police, but nothing ever happens. There’s complete impunity,” he told La Gaceta.
Alejandro highlighted a broader issue of crime and insecurity in El Ejido, where thefts and violent incidents involving illegal migrants have become alarmingly frequent. Farmers in the region, particularly in areas like La Aldeílla and Algarrobo, have faced repeated attacks, with many choosing not to report incidents due to the perceived absence of law enforcement.
“The police are overwhelmed, they don’t have the resources, and we are living in fear. We are defenseless, and it’s getting worse,” Alejandro said. He added that many of the crimes are committed by migrants, who, in his view, turn to theft due to economic desperation.
“If the laws were stricter, no one would dare steal, but the current system allows criminals to act without fear of consequences,” he said.
The Spaniard also shared an incident from the past where he tracked stolen goods using a GPS he had hidden in his farm equipment. Despite knowing the thieves’ location, authorities told him they were unable to act without judicial authorization. “The system works against us,” he said, frustrated by the legal barriers that prevent immediate action.
As Alejandro and other farmers struggle to protect their livelihoods, many express growing anger at the left-wing government for failing to address the root causes of the crime wave.
“We are terrified. We don’t sleep at night, wondering if it’s going to happen again. Something needs to change before it’s too late,” Alejandro added.
