Overview
- Bilbao confirmed it will exclude the geographic origin of detained or investigated individuals from Municipal Police statements and press releases.
- The decision departs from the Basque Government’s Ertzaintza, which has been listing detainees’ origin for several months.
- Security councilor Amaia Arregi argued that origin information does not explain criminal activity and that equating immigration with delinquency generates insecurity.
- The stance places Bilbao alongside Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Mayor Maider Etxebarria refused in November to disclose origin data despite pressure from PNV and PP.
- Barakaldo adopted the same approach on January 30, signaling broader local resistance to the regional disclosure practice.