Basque Country Detentions
64.2% of detainees are foreigners
In the Basque Country, 64.2% of detainees are foreigners, being approximately 12-14% of the population. However, in investigations the proportion is reversed: 57% are Spanish.
Key data
5.229 detenidos
Total detainees
Jan-Sep 2025
3.024 hombres
Foreign men
Detainees
334 mujeres
Foreign women
Detainees
23.528 investigaciones
Total investigations
43% foreigners
Foreign detainees by region of origin
View data in table
| Region | Detentions | Investigations |
|---|---|---|
| Magreb | 1.685 | 4.540 |
| Latinoamérica | 1.040 | 3.303 |
Detentions vs Investigations (2025)
View data in table
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Detenidos extranjeros | 64,2% |
| Investigados extranjeros | 43% |
| Detenidos vascos/españoles | 35,8% |
| Investigados vascos/españoles | 57% |
Methodological context
IMPORTANT: This data is exclusive to the Basque Country. The Ertzaintza is the first regional police force to publish it (2025) and cannot be extrapolated nationally. The percentage of foreigners reverses between detentions (64.2%) and investigations (43%). Figures reflect police actions, not unique individuals: a repeat offender generates multiple records. No distinction is made between regular and irregular foreigners. Note: This is the first historical publication of this data by a regional police force in Spain. No comparable historical series from previous periods exist.