Ceuta migrant crisis: Thousands still stranded, leader tells EU

Ceuta's regional leader Juan Jesús Vivas told the European Parliament on Thursday that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in the Spanish territory after last week's unprecedented mass border crossing, which saw tens of thousands of people swim from Morocco in a matter of hours. Vivas described an ongoing humanitarian emergency and expressed 'profound sorrow' over the 'irreparable tragedy' of 100 deaths during the chaotic influx.

An ongoing humanitarian emergency

In his address, Vivas said the return of nearly 75,000 migrants to Morocco had 'considerably alleviated' the situation, but Ceuta had not returned to normal. He highlighted that the number of people still in the territory is uncertain due to limited resources, and that it was 'basically impossible' to return unaccompanied minors without their consent. The conservative leader criticized Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, saying he had personally told him that the national government's response was late and insufficient.

Focus on migrant children

One of the most pressing challenges is the presence of thousands of unaccompanied minors. According to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, volunteer groups have registered 4,860 migrant children — double the official estimates. A volunteer told the paper that neighbors are taking children into their homes, but the situation is unsustainable. So far, no migrant children have been moved to mainland Spain, with right-wing regional authorities reluctant to accept them. In contrast, Melilla's conservative leader has called for a 'gesture of solidarity' from mainland counterparts.

Spain's interior minister has allocated €25 million to assist minors in Ceuta, but the scale of the need may overwhelm those resources.

Political and diplomatic tensions

The crisis has exposed fault lines within Spain and the European Union. While the European Commission praised Spain's 'swift response' — including the deployment of armed forces to Ceuta and Melilla — the events have triggered criticism of the government and prompted questions about border security and migration policy. Vivas accused national authorities of ignoring warnings from local officials about an increase in sea crossings.

The exact reasons for the mass attempt remain unclear. The EU's Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner has suggested criminal networks spreading disinformation were responsible, a claim echoed by Sánchez. But the crossings also came after Spain's Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea cannot be summarily returned to Morocco, a decision that may have encouraged attempts.

Vivas characterized the event as an 'unequivocal attack' on Ceuta, noting that Moroccan border guards did not act to prevent the crossings. The enclave, along with Melilla, has long been a point of contention between Spain and Morocco, which does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory.

What next for Ceuta?

Social media is already circulating new calls for mass crossings, according to Moroccan media, adding to the anxiety of residents. Vivas said the people of Ceuta feel 'sad, helpless, anxious, fearful and worried,' and wonder whether such an event could happen again. The coming weeks will test whether Spain's national government, the EU, and Morocco can find a durable solution to prevent a repeat of the crisis and address the humanitarian needs of those still in Ceuta.