Spanish prosecutors say 23 sexual assault cases have been recorded in Ceuta since the mass influx of migrants at the end of July—almost one each day. Chief prosecutor Silvia Rojas warned that children are especially vulnerable because of their irregular status.
The surge began when at least 72,000 people crossed from Morocco on 30–31 July; the majority have since returned but about 5,000 remain. Of those still in Ceuta, an estimated 1,400–1,600 are children. Four alleged attackers are Moroccan, three Spanish and one Belgian, according to the European Free Press.
Fighting has flared recently between residents and migrants, and the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has convened a national security council.
Victims rarely report assaults, often out of fear of the authorities’ response to their precarious legal position. Susana Ascaso, emergency doctor in Ceuta University Hospital, has treated several victims, including a 10‑year‑old girl.
The Economic Ministry approved a multi‑million‑euro aid package to support essential services and care for unaccompanied children.
The mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, urged Spaniards to join demonstrations in support of Ceuta, coincident with the city’s annual holiday.
The crisis has drawn criticism from far‑right parties such as Vox, who accused Sánchez of abandoning control. Yet, the Prime Minister has refrained from blaming Morocco, emphasising that intelligence reports found no state involvement.
He blamed misinformation on social media—linked to Russian, Israeli and far‑right networks—rather than Morocco for stoking the crisis. International reactions are mixed; Israel and Russia denied involvement, while the opposition People's Party questioned the Prime Minister’s narrative.
In the backdrop of rising violence, the Spanish government faces severe pressure, particularly from those arguing that an essential strategy for handling the remaining migrants is yet to be set.
