The autonomous city faces severe pressure as Spain accelerates transfers, identification and lawful returns.
CEUTA, SPAIN
Approximately 13,000 migrants who entered Ceuta during the mass border crossings of July 30 and 31 remain in the Spanish autonomous city. The total includes nearly 11,000 adults and at least 2,100 identified minors, according to figures provided by national and local authorities.
Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego said around 700 of the registered minors are girls. The final number could increase because some children have not yet been formally identified or incorporated into Spain’s protection system. Rego called for their gradual transfer to mainland regions to ease pressure on Ceuta and accelerate individual assessments.
Authorities have also opened family-reunification proceedings for minors who wish to return to relatives in Morocco. Each case requires verification that an appropriate family structure exists and that return serves the child’s best interests. Spanish officials say unresolved requests predating the July crossings have complicated the process.
The central government is preparing additional spaces for registration, medical assessment and administrative screening. Adults without a legal basis for remaining in Spain could be returned to Morocco once their cases have been examined in accordance with national and international law.
Madrid had initially made approximately 3,400 reception places available and planned to expand capacity to 6,000. That figure remains below the number of people still present. With Ceuta’s regular population standing at around 84,000, the arrival of 13,000 people represents an increase of more than 15 percent, placing exceptional pressure on accommodation, healthcare, education, security and public services.
The emergency has also intensified political confrontation over responsibility, regional solidarity and the distribution of unaccompanied minors. Its resolution will depend not only on border control and repatriation, but on whether Spanish institutions can protect vulnerable people while restoring stability for Ceuta’s residents.
Borders test governments, but vulnerability tests societies.