Andorran Police Deny Questioning Children on Immigration Status

**Andorran police deny questioning children on immigration status amid community concerns**

Andorra's police force has firmly rejected claims that officers are interrogating minors to check their families' immigration status, insisting such practices do not align with their protocols. The denial follows a social media alert from the Argentinos en Andorra association on 14 January, which urged families to report any instances of authorities stopping children in public and asking questions without an adult present. This sparked reports of at least five cases, mostly involving children heading to school, primarily in Pas de la Casa.

Police director Bruno Lasne told Diari d'Andorra that all officers receive specific training on handling minors under Andorran law, which requires a parent or guardian and a lawyer for any formal questioning. "The entire force understands they cannot interrogate children, and we do not do so," he said. Lasne emphasised there are no instructions to target minors for immigration checks, but officers must intervene if a child appears vulnerable—such as being alone late at night in areas like Prat del Roure in Escaldes-Engordany, dressed inappropriately for cold weather, or involved in minor theft.

Specific incidents highlight the dispute. On 3 June, a patrol conducting school-area prevention in Pas de la Casa spotted a boy walking alone amid heavy tourist crowds. Officers, estimating his age at 5-6 rather than his actual 10, accompanied him on foot to the Andorran school—not in a patrol car, as some reports claimed—to ensure his welfare. School staff clarified he had parental permission to go alone, provided family contact details, and later received a positive-response call from police advising supervision in busy conditions. The parents hold residence permits, but the boy was irregularly registered.

Other cases include two 10-year-old girls questioned en route to school about documentation and parental work status, leaving them distressed; police then contacted the families. In a separate January 6 hotel inspection, officers found two 16-year-old girls working without labour permits—despite valid residence—resulting in a fine for the business, with no direct questioning of the girls.

In a statement, police clarified they "do not directly approach minors at any time to gather immigration information," calling it "not our style, nor will it be." Interventions aim solely to identify children and contact legal guardians for safety. The force reiterated this on Friday, denying published accounts of interrogations or forcing children into vehicles.

The Argentinian community, especially in Pas de la Casa, expresses unease, viewing the encounters as stressful and rights-violating, though not opposing immigration enforcement itself. Andorra Endavant councillor Carine Montaner supported police efforts on Instagram, calling for "zero tolerance" on irregular entries to restore order.

Authorities note compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Andorra, which mandates safeguards for minors in official contact. Police maintain a "special sensitivity" towards children, balancing security with protection.