On Wednesday morning, a large-scale operation began in Badalona, north of Barcelona, to evict migrants from a former school building. Fully equipped Catalan police began enforcing a court order requiring the premises to be vacated. By the time law enforcement arrived, some residents had already left, but dozens remained inside, unwilling to leave voluntarily.
Mayor Xavier García Albiol stated that about 400 people were involved, whom he referred to as ‘illegal occupants.’ According to him, the building posed a threat to public safety, and authorities could no longer ignore the situation. At the same time, lawyer Marta Llonch, representing the residents, emphasized that some of those being evicted do in fact have valid residence and work permits for Spain.
Housing crisis
Most of the former school residents are migrants from various countries, many of whom were unable to find affordable housing on the rental market. Even those with legal status were not guaranteed the ability to rent a room or an apartment: rental prices in the region continue to rise, and demand far outstrips supply. As a result, people were forced to seek shelter in abandoned buildings, where living conditions are far from safe or comfortable.
Among those evicted were people with regular jobs who still cannot afford even modest housing. Now they face homelessness, as most have no alternative accommodation options. City social services were unable to offer temporary shelter to everyone affected, prompting criticism from human rights advocates.
Authorities’ response
City officials insist the eviction was necessary to prevent potential incidents and maintain order. They argue that the former school building has long failed to meet safety standards and its use as housing posed health and safety risks. Meanwhile, migrant representatives and advocates say the issue goes deeper than just occupation—it is also about the lack of accessible solutions for those in need.
Catalan authorities note that they are dealing with a constant influx of migrants arriving both by sea and by land. Many are unable to legalize their status or find employment, and those who do face insurmountable barriers in the housing market. As a result, squats like this become the only option for hundreds of people.
A growing problem
The situation in Badalona is just one example of how the housing crisis and migration flows intersect in modern Spanish cities. In recent years, the number of such squats has increased, and authorities are increasingly resorting to forceful methods to clear them. However, solving the issue requires not only police measures, but also a comprehensive approach to integration and access to affordable housing.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people evicted from the abandoned school are now forced to find new shelter. Many of them have no idea where they will spend the night, and the prospect of ending up on the street is becoming a reality. Debates continue in the region over how to balance the interests of local residents, public safety, and the rights of vulnerable migrants.
