Overview
- A mass influx that began in late July brought roughly 70,000 people into Ceuta, caused scores of deaths and overwhelmed local reception and shelter capacity.
- Tensions have risen sharply this week with thousands protesting, police firing tear gas, and a military vehicle attacked after migrants and residents clashed in the streets.
- Madrid says between 3,500 and 7,000 migrants remain in Ceuta while local officials put the figure higher and many people are sleeping in public spaces.
- The cabinet has created a single command led by Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres, deployed extra ID teams, accelerated return procedures and approved €25 million for unaccompanied minors.
- Legal limits on summary sea pushbacks, the need to protect minors, and Morocco’s role in returns complicate fast expulsions and risk further political and diplomatic fallout.