Overview
- A massive irregular entry on July 30–31 produced a peak the central government puts at about 80,000 people while Ceuta officials estimate 8,000–11,000 remain in the city after most returned to Morocco within 48 hours.
- Authorities say roughly 1,300–1,400 unaccompanied migrant minors are linked to the episode and the national government is prioritizing family reunification while studying temporary shelter options such as the old military hospital.
- Ceuta's president has demanded a Center of Internment for Foreigners (CIE) to confine those who remain and a single national command to coordinate expulsions, a request that raises legal and human-rights hurdles against collective returns.
- Political friction is growing: the PP will send regional child-services officials to the sectoral meeting on August 13 while Vox-controlled departments will boycott and press for immediate returns to Morocco and a criminal probe of the national government.
- Madrid says it has reinforced staff and security in Ceuta—noting double-digit percentage increases in delegation, Guardia Civil, National Police and military personnel—and the dispute over policy risks prolonging strain on local services and Spain's diplomatic ties in the EU.