The rise in cases of unaccompanied minors from North Africa arriving in Alicante highlights a growing pattern in which some families from Algeria and Morocco abandon their children to seek shelter and protection in Spain. Spanish authorities, led by the National Police, have launched a major operation to stop this wave of abandonment. In the most recent month, eight more people were detained for leaving children in shelters, police stations, and military facilities across Alicante province. These arrests add to five earlier detentions recorded between September and the end of October, all aimed at identifying minors arriving under unusual circumstances and triggering safeguarding measures in Spain. (Attribution: Spanish authorities)
Judicial sources note that this behavior by Maghreb families is not entirely new, though there is no clear sign of a renewed, widespread pattern reminiscent of past episodes. (Attribution: judicial sources)
Increase in detections
The Unit for Combating Illegal Migration Networks and Documentary Lies (UCRIF) of the Alicante Provincial Police Station, Immigration and Border Brigade, began its inquiry last September after receiving information about a notable rise in unaccompanied foreign minors, commonly referred to as menas. The data suggested that these arrivals did not match typical migrant profiles and that many were not traveling alone. (Attribution: UCRIF)
Investigations revealed that some young arrivals came to Spain through arrangements involving family members or trusted adults. When they reached Alicante province, many of these minors were left near police stations, children’s centers, and other public institutions, while their parents returned to their home countries. (Attribution: UCRIF)
Abandonment patterns
The children often show distress but have difficulty articulating that what is happening is part of a deliberate plan rather than a series of isolated misfortunes. Investigators indicate that the Spanish Administration will assume custody of these minors and their families, placing them in children’s centers and providing education tailored to their age and needs. (Attribution: investigators)
Among the most recent cases, one involved the son of an Algerian soldier. The father planned to accompany his son to Spain but faced paperwork delays, so the minor traveled on October 27 by plane from Algeria to El Prat airport in Barcelona. A friend of the father accompanied him, and upon arrival in Barcelona another person escorted him by bus to Alicante. There, the young person spent a night at a couple’s residence before being taken to the reception center for minors. Four individuals connected to transporting the minor until the moment of abandonment were detained by UCRIF officers in Alicante during the current month. (Attribution: authorities)
Another case concerns a Moroccan teenager who traveled from his country to Turkey and then to Paris. He moved from France to Crevillent, stayed with a brother for a period, and eventually reported to the Civil Guard Barracks to be placed in a reception center. When authorities uncovered the situation, the investigation concluded that he had abandoned his brother, leading to police action against those involved in the transport and abandonment process. (Attribution: authorities)