200 expelled in Ceuta as jihadist links emerge and sexual assaults reach 23

The situation in Ceuta has become increasingly unstable as the city faces the aftermath of a mass arrival of migrants. Over 200 migrants who entered the city in late July have been expelled after being detained for criminal offenses, with three of them having previous records linked to jihadism. The figure has more than doubled in three days, with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announcing the latest count of over 200 expulsions on August 31.

The disclosures come as the city continues to grapple with the consequences of the mass crossing, with thousands of migrants still residing in Ceuta, many living outdoors due to the temporary accommodation facility reaching capacity. The presence of individuals with jihadism-related records adds a security aspect to the ongoing crisis.

Additionally, the number of reported sexual assaults in Ceuta has risen to 23 since the entry of the migrants, with five cases involving rape and nine victims aged between 14 and 17. This surge in sexual offenses has sparked a political debate on social media, with Podemos MEPs Irene Montero and Isa Serra calling for European intervention, accusing the Spanish Government of failing to protect migrants and provide adequate reception.

The situation in Ceuta is further complicated by the increasing hostility on social media, with Spain's Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia noting a surge in hate messages directed at North Africans, accounting for 68 percent of the targeted content. As the education sector prepares to resume, schools in Ceuta are set to reopen on September 8, with the Education Ministry announcing additional security measures around schools and along school routes to ensure a normal return to academic life.