A sharp conflict has erupted in Cartes, which could influence how unaccompanied minor migrants are accommodated throughout Spain. The regional authorities’ decision to open a center for 18 unaccompanied minors in this small municipality sparked a wave of discontent among residents and the local administration. The issue is not only about social integration, but also about how decisions impacting an entire town are being made.
Tensions escalated further after it became known that the Cartes town hall had not been officially notified of the Cantabria government’s plans. The foundation set to run the new center approached the municipality only to inquire about available social resources. This left local authorities feeling their opinions were being ignored and decisions were being made behind their backs.
Residents’ response
Emotions flared at the latest municipal council meeting. Residents of Cartes openly protested against the opening of the center, expressing concerns for safety and comfort in the town. In response to the heightened atmosphere, the Civil Guard increased patrols, and a special hate crime unit was put on alert.
Mayor Lorena Cueto emphasizes that this is not about xenophobia, but about the fact that the chosen building is unsuitable for accommodating such a number of minors and their companions. According to her, the house has only three bedrooms and lacks conditions for proper integration. She also notes that she learned about the plans only after the foundation contacted her, and not directly from the regional authorities.
The authorities’ stance
The regional government, in turn, insists that the decision is driven by the need to distribute underage migrants arriving from the Canary Islands (Canarias). The President of Cantabria, María José Sáenz de Buruaga, called not to create a negative image of vulnerable children and reminded that the choice of Cartes was not politically motivated. According to her, this is part of a national policy initiated by the central government.
The first groups of minors arriving from the Canary Islands have already been accommodated in Cantabria. The authorities are looking for new facilities, prioritizing cities with developed infrastructure—medical, educational, and transport. This should facilitate the integration process and reduce social tension.
Accusations and disputes
The director of the Cantabria Institute of Social Services, Carmen Arce, sharply criticized the position of the mayor of Cartes, accusing her of irresponsibility and inciting protests. She pointed out that other socialist representatives, including the leader of the party’s regional branch, advocate solidarity and support for vulnerable groups.
Regional authorities emphasize that, despite disagreements with the central government regarding the procedure for distributing migrants, they are fulfilling their obligations and providing protection for all minors in difficult situations, regardless of their origin.
Context and consequences
Against this backdrop, the Council of Ministers approved a new decree allowing more than half a million migrants who have been living in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record to legalize their status. This measure is the result of agreements between the government and political forces supporting the transfer of powers on migration issues to Cataluña.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly stated that Spain will remain a country open to new residents, and that the chosen path is one of dignity and justice. However, such decisions spark fierce debates and protests at the local level, as happened in Cartes.
The exact date when the minors will arrive at the new center is still unknown. Regional authorities claim they notify about each arrival on the day of placement. Meanwhile, debates continue in Cartes about how life in the town will change after the center opens and whether the new residents will find support and understanding here.
