Ceuta Records 35 Sexual Assault Cases Following Migrant Influx, Says Prosecutor
Spanish authorities have documented 35 sexual assault cases in Ceuta during the first 45 days following the large-scale illegal migrant influx that began in late July, according to Andalusian Senior Prosecutor Ana Tárrago.
The Spanish enclave has faced significant challenges since thousands of migrants entered the territory, placing considerable strain on public services, shelters, and local infrastructure. While many migrants remain housed in temporary reception facilities, others continue to stay in different parts of the city. The situation has sparked an ongoing national debate, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating that the migrants should be viewed as people seeking better opportunities rather than invaders.
Alongside concerns over public safety, authorities have reported incidents involving assaults on law enforcement officers, health-related pressures on medical services, and a growing number of sexual violence cases affecting women and girls in the city.
Speaking at the opening of the judicial year in Andalusia, Tárrago said her office—which oversees prosecutions in both Ceuta and Melilla—had initially recorded 16 sexual assault cases by August 27. The figure increased to 23 cases by August 31 and reached 35 cases by September 14, averaging nearly one reported assault each day.
According to the prosecutor, most of the identified victims are female migrants who arrived during the late July influx, and around 40% of the victims are minors. She also confirmed that one complainant was identified as a homosexual male, without providing additional details.
Tárrago cautioned that the official figures likely do not reflect the full extent of the problem, emphasizing that not every sexual assault is reported to law enforcement. As a result, authorities believe the actual number of incidents may be higher than the documented total.
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