Up to 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta after border crisis, enclave leader tells EU Parliament
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Juan Jesús Vivas, leader of the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, said Thursday that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in the territory after a record influx of some 78,000 people from Morocco last week. He expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of 100 people during the crossings and criticized Madrid's response as late and insufficient. His remarks came as new calls for mass border crossings circulated on social media, according to Moroccan media.
The Migrant Toll
Between 3,000 and 5,000 people remain in Ceuta after some 78,000 crossed from Morocco last week, Ceuta mayor-president Juan Jesús Vivas told the European Parliament on Thursday. About 75,000 have been returned to Morocco, but the enclave lacks precise numbers due to limited resources. Vivas said prior warnings of increasing sea crossings were ignored. The crisis caused 100 deaths, which he called an irreparable tragedy.
Official Disputes
The EU Commission praised Spain’s swift response, including deploying armed forces, but Vivas criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government as late and insufficient. Spanish Interior Minister allocated €25 million for minors. However, El Mundo reported 4,860 migrant children registered by volunteers—double official estimates. Neighbors are sheltering them, but volunteers say the situation is unsustainable.
Minors in Limbo
Returning unaccompanied minors requires their consent, making deportations nearly impossible, Vivas said. No migrant children have been moved to mainland Spain, as right-wing local authorities resist. Melilla’s conservative leader called for a gesture of solidarity from mainland colleagues. The standoff has left minors in overcrowded temporary shelters with no clear path forward.
What's Next
Spanish authorities face mounting pressure to relocate minors to the mainland as volunteer centers near capacity. It remains unclear whether Madrid can overcome political opposition from regional leaders to do so.
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Up to 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta after border crisis, enclave leader tells EU Parliament
