Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Eva Longoria's Immigration Critique Derailed by Spain’s Muslim Ban

Eva Longoria tried to leave America behind over its immigration policies ¿ but now she's facing a new crisis abroad, as her adopted home country of Spain enforces its own controversial crackdown; (seen July 2025 in Marbella)

EVA LONGORIA'S EUROPEAN ESCAPADE: ACTRESS TAKES ON SPAIN, BUT IS SHE BLIND TO ITS CONTROVERSIAL IMMIGRATION POLICIES?

The glamorous world of Hollywood has seen its fair share of scandals and controversies, but none as intriguing as the recent saga surrounding Eva Longoria's European escapade. The Desperate Housewives alum, known for her sassy attitude and outspoken views on social issues, has been making headlines with her high-profile moves to Spain. But what's beneath the glamour and glitz?

Longoria, 50, left the United States last year, citing concerns about Donald Trump's administration and its stance on immigration. In an interview with Marie Claire in November, she expressed her anxiety about the future of America under Trump, stating that if he kept his promises, the country would become a "scary place." She claimed to have escaped this dystopian reality by fleeing to Spain, where she has been living with her husband, José Bastón, and their 7-year-old son, Santiago.

The Desperate Housewives alum, 50, fled the U.S. last year with husband José Bastón and their son Santiago (pictured), citing fears that if Donald Trump 'keeps his promises,' the country would become a 'scary place'

However, critics are now questioning Longoria's judgment, as she finds herself in a situation that echoes the very same concerns she had about America. The town of Jumilla in Murcia, Spain, where Longoria has been living, has sparked outrage with its recent decision to ban Muslims from using public facilities for their religious festivals. This move, pushed through by the conservative People's Party (PP) and backed by the far-right Vox party, has been met with widespread criticism.

The new regulation bars Muslims in Jumilla from using public gyms or community centers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two significant Islamic festivals. This move is seen as a clear targeting of Islamic customs and raises concerns about Spain's commitment to freedom of religion. Muslim leaders have strongly condemned the ruling, with Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations, calling it "Islamophobic and discriminatory."

In contrast, Longoria was vocal in her criticism of U.S. immigration policy last June, when she took to Instagram to slam ICE deportation raids sweeping across U.S. cities. In a tearful selfie video, she called the operations "un-American" and "cruel." However, despite being confronted with similar issues in Spain, Longoria has yet to comment on this latest development.

But now, a town in Spain ¿ the very country she chose as a safe haven ¿ has sparked outrage by banning Muslims from using public facilities to celebrate religious festivals deemed ' alien ' to local identity

Critics are now questioning her silence, wondering if she is turning a blind eye to Spain's own immigration policies. "The irony isn't lost on us," said one observer. "Here's an actress who fled America due to concerns about its immigration policies and now finds herself in a country with similar issues."

Longoria's decision to leave the United States was not just about politics, but also about her personal life. In 2023, she and Bastón purchased a luxurious six-bedroom mansion in Marbella, Spain, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art home gym. By early 2024, they began relocating their belongings to the European country.

In an interview with Marie Claire, Longoria spoke candidly about her decision to leave Los Angeles, citing changing circumstances and a desire for a new chapter in her life. "I had my whole adult life here," she said of LA. "But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different." She also expressed concerns about the state of California, mentioning homelessness and taxes as factors that contributed to her decision.

The town in the Murcia region has a population of around 27,000 - roughly 7.5 per cent of whom come from mostly Muslim countries

However, now that Longoria finds herself in a similar situation abroad, questions are being raised about her judgment and commitment to social causes. "It's one thing to criticize America from afar," said a source close to the actress. "But it's another story altogether when you're living in a country with its own set of problems."

Longoria's silence on this latest controversy raises more questions than answers. Will she continue to use her platform to speak out against injustices, or will she choose to stay quiet? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Eva Longoria and her European escapade.

THE FULL SCOPE OF SPAIN'S IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Less than a month earlier, violent riots erupted in Torre Pacheco ¿ just 70 miles from Jumilla ¿ after a Moroccan trio allegedly attacked an elderly Spanish man, leaving several people injured in the chaos that followed

The ban in Jumilla marks a disturbing trend in Spain's immigration policies. The country has seen a rise in anti-migrant tensions, with violent riots erupting in Torre Pacheco just 70 miles from Jumilla earlier this year. The incident left several people injured and raised concerns about the treatment of migrants.

The move to ban Muslims from using public facilities for their religious festivals is seen as a clear targeting of Islamic customs and raises concerns about Spain's commitment to freedom of religion. Muslim leaders have strongly condemned the ruling, with Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations, calling it "Islamophobic and discriminatory."

"This is not just a ban on Muslims using public facilities," said Azhari. "It's an attack on our community and our way of life. We're rather surprised by what's happening in Spain. For the first time in 30 years, I feel afraid."

In early 2023, the couple purchased a sprawling six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion in Marbella ¿ a 1,531-square-meter villa featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art home gym

The regulation bars Muslims from using public gyms or community centers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two significant Islamic festivals. This move is seen as a clear targeting of Islamic customs and raises concerns about Spain's commitment to freedom of religion.

A DOUBLE STANDARD?

Critics are now questioning Longoria's judgment, wondering if she is turning a blind eye to Spain's own immigration policies. "The irony isn't lost on us," said one observer. "Here's an actress who fled America due to concerns about its immigration policies and now finds herself in a country with similar issues."

Longoria revealed she often travels to South America or Europe for work and rarely returns to Los Angeles anymore

Longoria's decision to stay silent on this latest controversy raises more questions than answers. Will she continue to use her platform to speak out against injustices, or will she choose to stay quiet? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Eva Longoria and her European escapade.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR EVA LONGORIA?

Longoria's future plans remain unclear, but it's evident that she has committed to her new life in Spain. With a luxurious mansion in Marbella and a growing family, she seems to have found a sense of stability and happiness abroad.

However, the controversy surrounding Spain's immigration policies raises concerns about Longoria's commitment to social causes. Will she use her platform to speak out against injustices, or will she choose to stay quiet?

One thing is certain: the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Eva Longoria and her European escapade. As she navigates this latest controversy, one question remains: will she continue to use her voice to speak out against injustice, or will she remain silent?