In the Spanish exclave of Ceuta several attacks have been reported in recent days in which local residents were mistakenly identified as irregular migrants during protests and in the city centre, then insulted or attacked. New cases were made public on 9 September, including an incident at a Demonstration on 6 September 2026: According to witnesses, a 13-year-old schoolgirl was called “invasora” and “tuberculosa” and pressured to show her ID. Local media have also reported a physical attack on a man in the city centre who was likewise mistakenly taken for a migrant. Several people affected have filed complaints; the Polizei is investigating the allegations.
The reports follow an escalation since the end of July, when mass border crossings took place in Ceuta and protests were held repeatedly in response. According to the agency EFE and local newsrooms, Islamophobic chants have also been reported in recent weeks. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is examining related reports. El Faro de Ceuta recently documented several complaints from families and people working in the social sector who said they had been harassed or attacked during protests.
On 25 August 2026 the central government declared a national security crisis in the Boletín Oficial del Estado by resolution and announced measures for Ceuta, including financial aid and closer coordination between the security forces. La Moncloa reaffirmed in early September its commitment to maintaining public order and protecting residents and emergency personnel. Whether these steps will quickly ease tensions remains to be seen; the police and administration will work out the details of their implementation in the coming weeks.
According to consistent local accounts, the tense situation is contributing to mistaken identifications: people with dark skin, Muslim names or an identifiable North African background report being insulted, subjected to ID checks by unauthorised individuals and afraid to move around in large crowds. Families describe restrictions on their daily lives and are calling for reliable protection at public events.
Trade unions, human rights organisations and local associations are calling for more thorough investigation and prosecution of hate crimes and violence, clear conditions for demonstrations, and clear communication from the authorities to prevent blanket suspicion. The police and public prosecutor’s office are examining the complaints; reliable figures on the status of investigations are not yet available. The political interpretation of events remains disputed, but the documented cases are putting pressure on Ceuta’s security authorities to act.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).