Thousands of Migrants Remain in Spain’s Ceuta After Mass Border Crossing

Between 7,000 and 9,000 migrants are believed to remain in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, nearly two weeks after an estimated 72,000 people crossed from Morocco during a major border surge.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said authorities have formally identified 1,898 minors among those still in the territory. Aid organisations, however, believe the actual number of children could be higher.

The Spanish government has allocated €25 million (about $29 million) to strengthen Ceuta’s overwhelmed reception system and provide support for unaccompanied migrant children.

Before the recent influx, Ceuta’s facilities could accommodate only about 90 children. By early August, local authorities were caring for more than 1,000, with additional minors remaining outside the formal reception system.

Spanish authorities estimate that between 7,000 and 9,000 migrants are still in Ceuta, although the city’s mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, has previously suggested the figure could be as high as 11,000. About 5,000 of those remaining may qualify for asylum procedures or formal reception.

The mass crossing began on July 30, with many of those entering Ceuta reportedly coming from Morocco, while others originated from sub-Saharan Africa and countries affected by conflict and economic hardship. Dozens of people died while attempting to make the crossing.

Spain plans to relocate some unaccompanied minors to mainland Spain, but the move has faced opposition from several regional governments.

The crisis has also increased tensions between Spain and Morocco, particularly over migration control and the disputed status of Ceuta and Melilla. Spain regards the two territories as integral parts of its territory, while Morocco considers them remnants of European colonial rule in Africa.

Morocco has reportedly strengthened security around the Ceuta border amid concerns about another possible mass crossing.

Spanish authorities now face the challenge of determining the exact number of migrants remaining, identifying unaccompanied children and processing asylum claims, while balancing humanitarian responsibilities with border security and diplomatic relations with Morocco.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share