Migration Crisis in Ceuta: Crime Increases Eightfold

Playa del Trampolin beach in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta has turned into a filthy and dangerous tent city following a massive influx of tens of thousands of African migrants. According to a report by the British newspaper The Sun, the area is plagued by foul odors, begging and constant violence.

Although approximately 80,000 immigrants entered the city over the course of two days a few weeks ago and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised to deport them, at least 15,000 continue to live in Ceuta. Only one-fifth of them are in official camps, while the majority are eking out a living on the streets and on the beach.

The presence of thousands of homeless people has led to an eightfold increase in crime in the city. According to state attorney Silvia Rojas, sexual assaults occur almost daily, and female migrants themselves face harassment and theft on the streets and in the camps.

The situation has sparked a wave of outrage throughout Spain. Residents are organizing mass protests against the government and its lackluster response, with up to 90% of Spaniards blaming neighboring Morocco for fueling the crisis.

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