Thousands of Migrants Stranded in Ceuta as Spain Grapples with Crisis

Thousands of migrants are living in precarious conditions in the Spanish territory of Ceuta, weeks after an unprecedented surge saw over 72,000 people, primarily from Morocco, cross into the small exclave. Many migrants have been sleeping on beaches and in makeshift shelters, relying on aid groups for basic necessities.

Spanish authorities are grappling with the humanitarian crisis, struggling to accommodate and identify the remaining migrants. While some police escorts have moved migrants to temporary shelters, others continue to search through discarded items for usable resources. Estimates of the number of migrants still in Ceuta vary significantly, with city officials suggesting between 9,000 and 10,000, including 2,000 minors, while the interior ministry places the figure closer to 5,000.

The UN refugee agency has highlighted the significant humanitarian and operational challenges, particularly concerning access to shelter, food, and services. Paula Barrachina, a spokesperson for the agency in Spain, stated that approximately 1,200 migrants in Ceuta could be eligible for international protection and urged Spanish authorities to expedite asylum claim processing.

The Spanish government is working to find solutions, with Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz announcing secured space for 1,800 migrants in a parking lot and a military facility. However, the situation remains fluid, with migrants still seen on the streets and hundreds of women and minors sheltering in local-run centers. Migrants like Khadija Rifai, a 20-year-old from Morocco, express uncertainty about their future, noting that while minors receive aid, adults like her await clear plans from Spain.

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They help the minors and the youngsters, but they haven’t fou