Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published August 31, 2026
A growing controversy is surrounding the humanitarian organization No Name Kitchen in Ceuta after Spanish authorities identified several members of the group during an investigation into homemade devices allegedly distributed among migrants following the mass arrival of migrants in the Spanish enclave.
The allegations intensified after Spanish newspaper OKDIARIO reported that it had located a property allegedly being used by the organization to provide shelter, food and medical assistance to migrants while authorities investigate whether members of the group had any connection to materials used in the devices.
It is important to stress that the allegations remain under investigation and do not establish that No Name Kitchen as an organization manufactured or distributed incendiary devices.
Police Investigation Raises Questions About Materials
According to reporting by OKDIARIO and an account carried by EFE through Infobae, several No Name Kitchen members were identified amid an investigation into purchases of large quantities of chemical cleaning products and aluminum foil.
Investigators are examining whether those materials were connected to homemade devices that have subsequently been thrown during confrontations in Ceuta. EFE reported that the devices were allegedly distributed among migrants and that some were thrown at demonstrators.
The investigation therefore centers on what was purchased, who purchased it, where the materials went and whether anyone connected to the purchases knowingly participated in distributing dangerous devices.
At this stage, identification by police should not be confused with an arrest or criminal conviction.
OKDIARIO Reports on a Shelter Used by Migrants
OKDIARIO separately reported that No Name Kitchen operates a property in the Tarajal area where migrants have received food, basic medical assistance and shelter.
The newspaper described the location as a so-called “piso franco,” alleging that it was being used to keep migrants away from security forces. Those claims are part of OKDIARIO’s reporting and should be distinguished from facts independently established by authorities.
The issue has become particularly sensitive because Ceuta has experienced a sharp deterioration in public order following the large-scale arrival of migrants on July 30.
Violence Against Police and Military Personnel Adds to Pressure
The controversy comes against the backdrop of several violent incidents involving migrants and Spanish security personnel.
Reports have documented the identification of No Name Kitchen members in connection with the broader investigation, while other reports have detailed attacks against military personnel in Ceuta.
OKDIARIO reported that four Moroccan nationals were detained after a recent attack on a military patrol that left a sergeant injured. The newspaper also reported that 12 migrants had previously been detained following an attack involving stones against an Army vehicle.
These incidents have increased pressure on Spanish authorities to restore order while maintaining control of the humanitarian situation.
No Name Kitchen Rejects the Allegations
The organization has disputed allegations that its activists manufactured or distributed materials intended for violent attacks.
Euronews reported on August 31 that No Name Kitchen denied involvement in producing or distributing materials for violent purposes. According to the organization’s account, its activities in Ceuta focus on food distribution, basic medical assistance, legal support and documenting alleged abuses.
Euronews also noted that the activists identified in the investigation were not arrested and that, at the time of its reporting, there was no direct evidence publicly establishing that the purchases were connected to the devices used during the confrontations.
That distinction is critical as the investigation continues.
Vox Announces Legal Action
The political fallout has already begun.
Vox announced that it intends to take legal action against No Name Kitchen. European Parliament delegation leader Jorge Buxadé said the party would pursue a criminal complaint involving alleged offenses including possible criminal organization, attacks against authorities, injuries and attempted homicide.
Vox is also calling for an audit of European funding received by the organization and has demanded that European payments or projects involving No Name Kitchen be frozen while the allegations are examined.
Those are political demands by Vox, not findings of a court.
The Earlier Arrest of Two Activists
The controversy follows the detention of two No Name Kitchen activists earlier in August.
OKDIARIO reported that Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed the detention of a Canadian and a German national in Ceuta following incidents involving security forces. The organization subsequently said the two were volunteers with a long history of humanitarian work and disputed the circumstances surrounding their detention.
The arrests have become another point of contention between the organization and Spanish authorities.
A Broader Humanitarian and Security Crisis
No Name Kitchen has been active in Ceuta assisting migrants, and the organization previously described the situation in the city as extremely critical. Its coordinator in Ceuta said the humanitarian response remained insufficient and that the group was witnessing numerous forms of violence.
The current controversy illustrates the difficult balance facing Ceuta: authorities must deal with legitimate security concerns while humanitarian organizations continue assisting people living in extremely difficult circumstances.
At the same time, allegations that humanitarian workers could have facilitated dangerous materials would represent a serious matter if proven.
What Happens Next
The most important question is whether Spanish investigators can establish a direct connection between No Name Kitchen personnel, the purchases of chemical materials and the devices reportedly used during recent clashes.
For now, several facts are established: police have identified members of the organization; an investigation is underway; dangerous homemade devices have reportedly been used during confrontations; and Vox has announced legal and political action.
However, the central allegation against No Name Kitchen has not yet been established by a final judicial finding.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Ceuta is facing a serious security and humanitarian crisis, and the allegations surrounding No Name Kitchen deserve a thorough and transparent investigation. If investigators ultimately prove that individuals associated with a humanitarian organization knowingly helped supply materials used against civilians, police or soldiers, accountability should follow regardless of political affiliation or organizational status.
But accountability also requires evidence. The public deserves facts rather than assumptions. No Name Kitchen should answer legitimate questions about its activities, while Spanish authorities should make clear what evidence they have and what remains only under investigation.
For me, the larger concern is that a humanitarian mission must never become entangled with violence or activities that could place civilians, migrants or security personnel at greater risk. At the same time, accusations this serious must be proven through evidence and due process. Ceuta needs both strong security and responsible humanitarian action—because protecting public safety and protecting vulnerable people should not be treated as opposing goals.
