At Least 5 Migrant Girls Under 14 Raped in Spanish Enclave

At least five young migrant girls under the age of 14 have been raped since they arrived in Ceuta. This is a horrific reality unfolding right now. Health officials told the El Pueblo de Ceuta newspaper that these victims sought help at the University Hospital of Ceuta last week. The numbers are staggering. Around 72,000 migrants swam or stormed into this Spanish enclave from Morocco back in late July. It was the latest crisis to shake Europe. Tragically, up to 100 people died during that mass influx over just two days. Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, declared a humanitarian emergency as the place became overwhelmed.

Judicial sources say many alleged rapes were stopped only because residents intervened directly. But some locals are among those accused. The Ceuta Prosecutor's Office confirmed it knows about two cases and opened preliminary proceedings. No arrests have been made yet. Convictions will require medical reports, victim testimony, camera footage, and police statements. Authorities admit the figures will likely rise as days pass. Two schools are being turned into shelters for unaccompanied minors. The CEIP Reina Sofía is housing more than 110 girls in an exclusively female shelter. Neighbors are using a football field at night so women can sleep safely elsewhere. Another school, CEIP Príncipe Felipe, will house young men too. Two other spaces near the port and Loma Margarita are being prepared to transfer all children before September starts.

Sira Rego, Spain's Youth and Children Minister, said 1,342 unaccompanied minors have been registered since the influx began. Aid groups warn these kids sleeping on Ceuta streets face abuse and exploitation. José Manuel Albares, the foreign minister, vowed to send every last person back to Morocco. Madrid is taking a hardline stance. He stressed that storming the border gives no right to stay in EU soil. Italy has suspended free travel with Spain until at least August 15. Rome says checks will target non-EU arrivals by air or sea but won't affect citizens. Antonio Tajani hopes to lift this soon once risks drop. Madrid checked nearly 200 travelers from Italy's six major airports over the weekend.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain's interior minister, said 70,000 of the estimated 72,000 who crossed have already returned. Albares warned migrants not to risk their lives on a doomed endeavor. Any crossing illegally ends in return to Morocco or mainland Europe failure. This comes as EU nations tighten lines against illegal crossings. They want to avoid another crisis like 2015. Meanwhile, Spanish police dismantled a criminal ring recruiting girls from Gran Canaria care centers. A victim returned from France and told investigators she was promised a job. The network used false documents to move them to mainland Spain and France for sexual exploitation. The Guardia Civil rescued two victims and stopped four others from leaving the islands. Five people were arrested after searches across Gran Canaria, including one minor.