Spanish authorities in the enclave of Ceuta are preparing to hold migrants in warehouses as they await deportation to Morocco. This move comes in the wake of reports that several underage girls have allegedly been raped since arriving in the Spanish North African territory.
More than 70,000 people are estimated to have entered Ceuta last month during a surge of arrivals from Morocco, overwhelming the enclave's resources. While most have since departed, up to 8,000 remain. The Spanish government plans to use warehouses in Tarajal, near the Moroccan border, and another within the enclave to temporarily house these individuals.
Officials aim to process and repatriate migrants within 72 hours of their apprehension. However, questions remain regarding the rights of those seeking international protection, whose asylum claims must be processed under EU and Spanish law, regardless of Spain's stated intention to return all individuals to Morocco.
The situation is particularly complex for the 1,342 unaccompanied minors who arrived during the influx. While children who arrived with adults are expected to be repatriated with fewer complications, the cases of lone children require individual assessment, including verification of their age, family status, identity, and safety in their home country.
Authorities have confirmed that two educational centers, CEIP Reina Sofía and CEIP Príncipe Felipe, are being repurposed as shelters for unaccompanied minors. Additional spaces are being prepared in the port area and Loma Margarita to facilitate the transfer of children from educational facilities, ensuring the school year can commence as scheduled in September.
Aid groups have expressed concern that minors, many of whom are sleeping in the open, are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. These concerns are amplified by recent reports of alleged sexual assaults. Health services at the University Hospital of Ceuta (HUCE) confirmed that at least five girls under the age of 14 sought treatment for alleged rapes. While judicial sources indicated that many attempted assaults were prevented by local residents, some residents are reportedly among those accused. The Ceuta Prosecutor's Office has acknowledged awareness of two cases and opened preliminary proceedings, though no arrests have yet been made. The investigation requires extensive evidence, including medical reports, victim testimony, and police statements. Judicial sources have noted that 'many cases' of attempted sexual assault have been reported and that the number is expected to rise.