Spanish police have arrested three former employees of a migrant reception center for minors in Tenerife, located in the Canary Islands, over allegations of child abuse and mistreatment. Authorities confirmed that the arrests are part of an ongoing judicial investigation into how unaccompanied migrant children have been treated at the facility.
The center is operated by Quorum Social 77, an organization responsible for running several facilities that host minors who arrive in the Canary Islands after making the dangerous journey from West Africa. The police operation took place at a reception center in Puerto de la Cruz as part of a broader investigation known as Operation Cábila.
The inquiry is being handled by a court that deals with violence against children in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Authorities said the investigation began in September 2024 after concerns were raised by regional child protection services. Complaints later filed by children living in the center in April 2025 alleged that some staff members had mistreated them.
Although the three suspects had previously worked at the facility, they were no longer employed there when they were arrested. Investigators are examining accusations that include physical violence, threats, coercion, and possible hate crimes against minors in several centers linked to the organization.
Quorum Social 77 has played a major role in housing unaccompanied migrant children in the Canary Islands. Reports indicate that since 2020 the organization has received more than €200 million in public funding to operate dozens of reception centers for young migrants arriving by boat from Africa. The NGO is believed to care for nearly one-third of the region’s migrant minors, which is estimated to be close to 2,000 children.
Some of the most serious allegations involve a so-called “panic room” reportedly used to isolate children who misbehaved. According to testimonies cited by Spanish media, minors claimed they were locked inside the room for several days or even up to a week. They said they were kept under constant supervision, sometimes forced to remain on a bed or the floor, and had limited contact with others.
Former employees have also raised concerns about hiring practices at some centers. According to reports, some staff members were recruited without proper qualifications for working with vulnerable children. In certain cases, workers reportedly came from backgrounds such as nightclub security, raising questions about whether they had the necessary training to care for minors who had already experienced trauma during migration.
Human rights organizations say the allegations reflect deeper problems within the migrant reception system in the Canary Islands. The region hosts thousands of unaccompanied migrant children, and critics argue that the rapid expansion of facilities during migration surges has sometimes prioritized capacity over proper oversight and staff training.
Despite the investigation, regional authorities have not yet removed Quorum Social 77 from managing the centers. Officials say further action will depend on the outcome of the judicial process. However, critics warn that allowing the organization to continue operating while investigations are ongoing could expose children to additional risks.
The case has also renewed attention on the dangerous migration journey many of these children undertake. The Atlantic route between West Africa and the Canary Islands is considered one of the deadliest sea migration routes to Europe, with migrants often traveling in overcrowded and unsafe wooden boats.
The ongoing investigation has intensified scrutiny across Europe over how unaccompanied migrant children are treated after arrival. Rights groups warn that without stronger protections, vulnerable minors could continue to face abuse and neglect even after reaching what they hope will be a place of safety.