At least five migrant girls under the age of 14 have allegedly been raped since arriving in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to health services. The victims sought treatment at the University Hospital of Ceuta this past week.
Approximately 72,000 migrants swam or stormed the border into Ceuta from Moroccan territory at the end of July, in a migration event that overwhelmed the enclave. Up to 100 people reportedly died during the mass influx over 48 hours, prompting Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas to declare a humanitarian emergency.
Judicial sources indicated that many of the alleged rapes were prevented by the intervention of Ceuta residents, though some residents are also among the accused. The Ceuta Prosecutor's Office confirmed it was aware of two cases and had opened preliminary proceedings, but stated that no arrests had been made yet. The office has been made aware of many attempted sexual assaults, with figures expected to rise.
Authorities have confirmed that two educational centers will be repurposed as shelters for unaccompanied minors. The CEIP Reina Sofía will house over 110 girls and teenagers, operating as an exclusively female shelter. Neighborhood associations are using the La Reina football field as a night shelter for women's safety. The CEIP Príncipe Felipe will also serve as a shelter for minors, including young men.
Spain's Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego stated that 1,342 unaccompanied migrant minors had been registered in Ceuta following the influx. Aid groups have warned that these minors, many of whom are sleeping rough, are at risk of abuse and exploitation.
Spain's foreign minister vowed to return all individuals who entered the enclave illegally. He stressed that illegal entry into EU territory does not grant residency rights. Spain's interior minister reported that approximately 70,000 of the estimated 72,000 who crossed have returned to Morocco.
Separately, Spanish police dismantled a criminal ring accused of recruiting unaccompanied migrant girls from care centers in Gran Canaria and moving them to mainland Spain and France, where some were allegedly sexually exploited. The Guardia Civil reported that the network exploited the girls' vulnerability by offering assistance to leave the Canary Islands with false documents and arranging their travel. Five people, including one minor, were arrested in connection with the investigation.