Dueling demonstrations drew around 400 B9 evictees' supporters and opposing locals to a closed shelter in Badalona on Monday, echoing Sunday's parish blockade. Police separated the groups amid chants and security fears, as Mayor Xavier García Albiol vows judicial eviction.
Tensions in Badalona escalated Monday following the prior eviction of around 400 sub-Saharan migrants from the B9 institute (Dec 18) and their occupation of the shuttered Can Bofí Vell municipal shelter on Sunday. After nights under the C-31 highway and a failed parish housing attempt blocked by ~200 locals, protesters gathered near Can Bofí Vell.
Supporters chanted 'against racist attacks, class unity' and targeted Mayor Xavier García Albiol (PP) as 'racist' and 'fascist.' Locals countered with 'it's not racism, it's civility' and 'take them to your house,' citing security concerns. Mossos d'Esquadra prevented clashes, dispersing the crowd after 9 PM.
Albiol, who closed the shelter in May 2024, noted the squatters' notarial claim of occupancy since mid-week but affirmed he would seek court-ordered eviction, unable to act directly. Pro-eviction spokesperson Mamadou Seydi highlighted growing solidarity: 'Yesterday they were scared, today they know they're not alone.'
This follows Sunday's Sant Crist neighborhood standoff at Mare de Déu de Montserrat parish, where residents halted temporary housing for 15 evictees despite aid groups' efforts. The crisis highlights strains in Badalona's migrant support amid inter-administration disputes.
