Canary Islands Government Refuses Responsibility for Migrant Minor Transfers Amid Crisis

The Government of the Canary Islands has officially declared it will not assume responsibility for the transfers of migrant minors from the islands, effective from February 1, 2026. This decision, conveyed via a letter from the Presidency Department to the Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, underscores rising tensions between regional and state authorities over management of the ongoing migration crisis. The regional government has communicated this stance not only to the governmental delegation but also to the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands and the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office.

The Government of the Canary Islands criticized the State's decision to delegate this responsibility as a violation of the principles of cooperation and institutional loyalty. This refusal highlights institutional friction within Spain’s governance regarding the distribution of migration-related duties.

The Canary Islands have been a significant entry point for migrants, intensifying pressures on local resources and authorities. The regional government’s refusal to take charge of minor transfers reflects broader challenges in addressing migration effectively while balancing regional and national responsibilities.

While the detailed reasons behind the Canary Islands’ decision emphasize institutional principles, the crisis context remains critical. The state administration’s approach has thus encountered resistance, signaling complications in Spain’s handling of migration coordination. Official communications have been escalated to judicial and prosecutorial bodies, indicating potential legal scrutiny.

This development is a key moment in the Canary Islands migration crisis, revealing underlying governance disputes that complicate collaborative solutions. The coming weeks will indicate whether further negotiations or interventions will address this institutional impasse.