Spain🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/8/2026

Fear of immigrants, from Ceuta to Manresa

The article compares the growing fear of illegal immigration, particularly from North Africa, in two Spanish cities, Ceuta and Manresa. In both places, residents, especially women, express concerns about safety and have taken precautions such as carrying pepper spray. Ceuta, a city with a diverse population including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, has experienced a significant influx of people after a July attack by Moroccan migrants, leading to shortages of pepper spray. In Manresa, a city with a large Moroccan immigrant population, similar fears have emerged despite geographical and economic differences between the two cities. The article highlights the shared sense of insecurity and the impact on daily life, including parents preparing children for school with pepper spray.

A growing fear of immigrants has taken root in two Spanish cities, Ceuta and Manresa, despite their geographical and socio-political differences. Both cities have seen residents, especially women, expressing concerns over safety, with some carrying pepper spray in their bags and avoiding certain areas during specific times of day. In Ceuta, this fear intensified after an attack by Moroccan forces on July 30, which left thousands displaced and led to a near-exhaustion of pepper spray supplies. Families preparing for the school year have begun equipping children with pepper spray alongside school supplies, despite its legal restriction for minors. Ceuta, with a population of around 83,000, hosts a diverse mix of religions and cultures, including approximately 50% Christians, 43% Muslims, and smaller communities of Hindus and Jews. In contrast, Manresa, home to roughly 82,000 people, has a foreign population making up 22% of its residents, predominantly Moroccans numbering around 7,000. Despite the distance of more than 1,000 kilometers separating them, both cities share a common concern: fear and rejection toward undocumented immigration. In Manresa, reports indicate a generalized sense of fear, described as “real fear wrapped in helplessness and frustration” by journalist Mayka Navarro. Women in the city have formed WhatsApp groups to stay connected while walking through neighborhoods and activate location tracking to monitor each other’s whereabouts. One woman told reporters, “They can say whatever they want. They’ve ruined a quiet city. We’re tired, worried, and fed up with so much trouble. It doesn’t matter where they come from, but walking the center at night is scary.” Notably, there has been no actual incident involving immigration in Manresa, nor has crime increased. The heightened anxiety appears to stem from the killing of a kind gardener who tried to intervene in a fight. This incident triggered a psychological response among locals, leading to widespread unease despite the absence of direct incidents linked to immigration.

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Source documentLa Vanguardia

2 reports

El ConfidencialIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 659/8/2026

Fear of immigrants, from Ceuta to Manresa

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a politically sensitive issue, fear of illegal immigration, it presents a balanced view by comparing two distinct cities with different socio-political contexts. It does not overtly favor one political stance over another but rather reports on the lived experiences of local

Why factuality (85): The article aligns closely with the primary source document from La Vanguardia, reporting on the fear among residents of Manresa related to immigration and crime. It mentions the WhatsApp group, the impact of Carles Vilajosana’s murder, and the demographic composition of the city including the Moroc

Why objectivity (65): The tone of the article leans towards highlighting the growing fear and hostility toward immigrants, particularly Moroccans, which can be seen as somewhat sensationalist. While it presents quotes from residents, it frames the issue through a narrative that emphasizes the 'problem' of illegal immigra

La VanguardiaIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 709/6/2026

A network of forums and chats stirred up the message of the Ceuta jump among 1.5 million people.

The article reports that a network of forums and chat groups spread the message encouraging people to jump into the sea at Ceuta, reaching approximately 1.5 million individuals. The incident highlights concerns about online platforms being used to promote potentially dangerous behavior. The article does not provide specific details about the nature of the message or the extent of the impact beyond the estimated number of people reached.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on an event involving online communities and public safety without overtly endorsing or criticizing any political stance. It focuses on the spread of information through digital channels rather than taking a clear ideological position.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on the method (forums and chats) and the reach (1.5 million people) without overtly expressing opinion or bias. However, the phrasing 'agitó el mensaje' (spread the message) may carry slightly emotive connotations, though not strongly

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Fear of immigrants, from Ceuta to Manresa

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