As a result of the inspection operation of establishments and commercial persons, which was aimed at their legality in the national territory, carried out by the PSP this Friday morning in the Martim Moniz area, in Lisbon, 38 detainees came.
In a statement, the PSP points out that the operation took place within the scope of the “Portugal Semper Seguro” campaign and that its “strategic objectives” are to “reinforce the perception of security in the country, which contradicts the information -contextuals that create a feeling of uncertainty among the population”.
Almost a hundred citizens were inspected to “verify their legality in the national territory”, and 38 arrests were made: five for driving with an alcohol level equal to or greater than 1.2 g/l; six for driving without a licence; two for drug trafficking; engage in illegal status in the national territory; one for domestic violence and the other for resistance and coercion against a PSP employee. 14 arrests were also made to comply with arrest warrants and eight for reasons not discussed by the PSP in the statement.
The SSI and the other entities concerned also inspected 11 establishments and surveyed 11 reports of infractions within the scope of legislation governing commercial activities and three reports of infringements within the scope of traffic legislation.
The operation, carried out in the area of Martim Moniz, in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, was in collaboration with the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE), the Tax and Customs Authority and the Working Conditions and Social Security Authority.
As reported by the Lusa agency, the Government ordered the security forces to intensify supervision against illegal immigration, according to Lusa. The operation that will take place this Friday in Martim Moniz is just one of many that will be scheduled.
“This operation in Martim Moniz is just one of many. We have scheduled several, we have given instructions to the security forces to continue this work on the ground. When cases of illegal immigration are detected, criminal punishment is necessary to charge abusers and traffickers who are illegal in the national territory to be subject to transfer measures”, said the Minister of the Presidency in Parliament, mentioned Lusa.
António Leitão Amaro also explained that “there must be consequences for those who are in national territory illegally and cannot carry out activities or cannot remain in an illegal situation”, also reinforcing “the commitment of the Government to enforce the rules”.
The Minister of the Presidency hopes that these inspection actions “will ensure that those who think they are coming illegally do not come”. The aim of these operations is to end situations of exploitation and so that those who are placed in “unknown conditions, living in overcrowded houses, with labor exploitation, receiving poor wages” are not placed, he continued.
“This has to end. This only ends if the State exercises authority and if the State is on the streets doing inspections”, he said. For that to happen, the Minister emphasized that the Government needs “the rules for return to be implemented by a police entity” and that the rules are “adequate and effective.
Leitão Amaro asked the deputies to vote on the Government’s proposal for border control, which changes the return system and creates the National Unit for Aliens and Borders in the PSP, following improvements that the parliamentary groups consider to be “necessary”.
“Please, I would ask the parliamentary groups that were talking about a return, to the PSD, CDS, Chega, (…) to make this law viable, which is fundamental” to have rules, said he.
Several areas of the PSP are involved in the operation, namely the Criminal Investigation Division, the Public Transport Security Division, the Traffic Division, the Private Security Unit, the Foreign and Border Control Unit, Rapid Intervention Teams, Prevention Teams and Immediate Reaction, as well as the Special Teams. Police Unit.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Immigration Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Silva. Today, we saw a significant operation in Martim Moniz, Lisbon, where the PSP detained 38 individuals during an inspection aimed at enforcing the legality of establishments and individuals in the area. Could you give us some context about these types of operations and their importance?
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. These operations, like the one we witnessed in Martim Moniz, are part of broader efforts by the government to address illegal immigration and enhance public safety. The “Portugal Semper Seguro” campaign emphasizes not only the importance of legal compliance among residents and businesses but also aims to reassure the public regarding their safety and order in society.
Time.news Editor: The number of arrests was notable—38 individuals across various offenses, including driving without a license and instances of drug trafficking. How do you think such a large number of arrests reflects on the broader issue of illegal immigration?
Dr. Silva: The presence of several arrests, especially related to driving offenses and trafficking, underscores the underlying challenges that often accompany illegal immigration. Many individuals who find themselves in precarious legal situations may engage in criminal activities out of desperation. The government’s efforts, therefore, are not just about enforcement but also about addressing systemic issues that contribute to these unlawful actions.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration with agencies like the Food and Economic Security Authority and the Tax and Customs Authority highlights a multi-faceted approach. How effective do you think this collaboration is in curbing illegal activities?
Dr. Silva: Collaboration is key in tackling illegal immigration and related criminal activities. By engaging multiple agencies, the government can address not only immigration status but also ensure that businesses comply with economic and safety regulations. It’s a comprehensive approach that recognizes that the issues are interconnected—illegal businesses often fuel the cycle of exploitation.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned earlier that the operation is part of a series of planned inspections. How do you think this ongoing strategy will impact communities like Martim Moniz in the long run?
Dr. Silva: Such ongoing inspections can have a dual impact. On one hand, they can enhance the perception of safety and order in neighborhoods, reassuring law-abiding citizens. However, they may also create tension within communities, particularly among immigrant populations who might feel targeted or unfairly scrutinized. The key is to balance enforcement with community engagement, providing support and integration opportunities for those who are legally residing in the country.
Time.news Editor: The Minister of the Presidency emphasized the importance of consequences for individuals in national territory illegally. How can the government ensure that such measures are just and do not infringe on human rights?
Dr. Silva: That’s a critical question. While securing borders and enforcing laws are important, the government must also ensure that human rights are upheld. This involves not only fair and transparent processes for detaining individuals but also providing avenues for legal recourse and support for those who may have been through traumatic experiences. A humane approach will ultimately strengthen society rather than create divisions.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Silva, for sharing your insights on this important issue. It seems that the challenge of illegal immigration is complex and requires a thoughtful response from our government and community leaders.
Dr. Silva: Absolutely. Thank you for having this essential conversation. Only through cooperation and understanding can we develop solutions that work for everyone involved.