A group of immigrants who were previously housed in the Alicante town of Guardamar del Segura has been relocated to the Parquemar Premium Beach Hotel, a four-star establishment where hundreds of them were already accommodated last year. Numerous residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, as they anticipate additional disruptions.

Socialist José Luis Sáez, the mayor of the town, announced the initiative on social media. He stated that the program presently houses 30 families with children attending the municipality’s primary and secondary schools. They originate from a variety of countries, including Egypt, Mali, Jordan, Paraguay, Ukraine, and Mauritania. He asserts that the new location will provide “a stable and dependable environment” in which the residents can adjust to their new circumstances with assistance in a variety of fields, such as legal, psychological, and training.

In spite of this, her post has provoked criticism from certain residents. One resident in the comments enquires, “Why don’t they transfer people from Valencia who have lost everything in the Dana?” Another user recalls the issues that were previously caused by the presence of immigrants at this hotel, which resulted in sexual assaults and battles against the complex’s employees.

Sources indicate the measure is in accordance with the unanimous decision of the proprietors’ association of the Europa House complex, where they were previously situated, to discontinue the hosting of children at their facilities.

Some residents are concerned about the potential for a surge in disturbances involving North African residents with the advent of Easter, due to the new site’s proximity to the town centre. “They shift the problem from one place to another, but don’t provide a permanent solution,” they express disappointment. The proprietors of the previous site are “tired of the daily disturbances,” according to additional sources.

Altercations and protests

The coastal town has experienced months of tension, which has culminated in the transfer. A protest in front of Guardamar City Hall in January was attended by nearly 200 immigrants who were demanding adjustments in their living conditions. The local police and the Guardia Civil managed the demonstration, which resulted in public unrest in the town.

The sheltered residents have expressed concerns regarding the administration of the NGO Cepaim, which is responsible for their care. They have complained of overcrowding and a lack of resources. Additionally, they demand that the promises they were purportedly made be fulfilled, which include Spanish nationality and employment.

The tense climate in Guardamar is not a recent development. Sexual assaults and abuse allegedly committed by immigrants residing in the town were reported in the previous months. Two immigrants of Venezuelan and Mali origin attacked two labourers at the Parquemar resort, where they were residing. Additionally, a pub bouncer and a young male from the vicinity were reported to have been beaten. Nevertheless, the mayor characterised these incidents as “isolated” and refuted the notion that the town’s security was in jeopardy.

Inadequate resources and political criticism

Ángel Delfín, the spokesperson for Vox at the City Council, maintained that his party had previously issued warnings regarding the negative consequences of the mass reception of immigrants. “When we issued warnings regarding potential consequences, they labelled us as racists,” he stated in an interview with El Debate. Delfín also observed that immigrants are dissatisfied due to the fact that they were promised expedited legalisation, which has not occurred.

Marisol Gallud, the municipal spokesperson for the Popular Party, expressed her concern and sadness regarding the town’s inaugural socialist mayor’s lack of control. She also encouraged him to be “transparent” and refrain from portraying himself as a victim.

The Socialist mayor, on the other hand, characterised the residents’ coexistence as “exquisite” and stated that he had requested reinforcements from the Guardia Civil due to concerns regarding potential “racist outbreaks.” He also downplayed the assaults perpetrated by groups of North Africans in his town.

Residents and the opposition are currently anticipating this action, with the expectation that it will not result in additional insecurity in the town of Alicante.