Overview of Migratory Pressures in Ceuta
A comprehensive report compiled by the Government Delegation in Ceuta on July 24 has revealed a significant escalation in migratory pressures that surpasses previous forecasts. The document, shared by the former Government Delegate, Miguel Ángel Perez Triano, with the Ministry of Territorial Policy, not only warned of potential "mass entries" and a likely "collapse of administrative systems" but also outlined the existing challenges in managing the influx of migrants. This includes issues with triage processes, the capacity of the Temporary Stay Center for Immigrants (CETI), returns to Morocco, and the care of unaccompanied foreign minors.
One of the primary challenges identified by the delegation concerns the execution of returns. The new framework introduced by the European Migration and Asylum Pact (PEMA) included procedures aimed at expediting the departure of individuals with low chances of obtaining international protection. However, the report highlighted a particularly pressing issue for Ceuta: Morocco's refusal to accept the repatriation of its nationals. It was explicitly stated that difficulties arose when executing return agreements made during triage processes or after asylum requests were denied, primarily due to Morocco's non-acceptance of its citizens' repatriation.
This issue is exacerbated by the fact that a significant proportion of individuals entering Ceuta irregularly are Moroccan nationals. The report noted that "a large portion of the irregular migration received by our city originates from Morocco, comprising the majority of the resident population at CETI." At that time, approximately 80% of CETI's occupancy consisted of Moroccan migrants.
Urgent Measures Required to Address Growing Concerns
Among the most alarming findings of the report was the rise in unaccompanied foreign minors arriving in Ceuta. The delegation reported a significant uptick in arrivals, with "up to 70 unaccompanied minors" landing on Ceuta's shores in just three days, a figure that aligns with the increasing trend observed during the summer months. This surge is attributed to minors attempting to reach Ceuta under the cover of fog to avoid detection by security forces—a practice that not only poses serious risks to their lives but also complicates the assistance provided to them. Tragically, the report included a stark statistic: by the end of 2025, 46 bodies had been recovered, with 25 so far this year amid these maritime attempts.
The report also delves into the emotional turmoil faced by families of these minors, as more families desperately reached out to authorities and media outlets to locate their missing children, fearing they may have perished at sea. The influx of minors further complicates the triage processes for adults, as many minors often follow the same routes as adults, heading towards CETI. This scenario heightens their exposure to danger and necessitates heightened vigilance from both center staff and security forces.
The protocols in place require distinct procedures for minors, prioritizing their best interests, which in turn slows down the triage process for adult migrants. The challenges presented by minors are not new; since the implementation of Royal Decree 658/2025, data indicates that 521 minors have been transferred to the mainland. The delegation emphasized that Ceuta only has 27 residential spots for minors, and the city has been operating well beyond this capacity for years.
The report also highlights a lack of preparedness for the new triage procedures introduced by PEMA, noting that there were insufficient spaces, infrastructure, and resources to implement the system effectively. Currently, triage must occur before migrants can access CETI, leading to instances where "migrants were found sleeping on the streets due to the National Police's inability to manage the high number of daily arrivals." At one point, there were up to 150 migrants waiting for triage, a situation that could potentially escalate dramatically.
The capacity of CETI had already been exceeded, with its maximum operational capacity set at 512 individuals. According to the delegation, the situation had become so dire that spaces designated for integration activities had to be repurposed to accommodate the overflow. During January, prior to the Supreme Court's ruling and the implementation of PEMA, CETI had exceeded 1,000 residents, forcing the use of classrooms, garages, and even outdoor areas, with some individuals resorting to sleeping on the access streets to the center.
In light of these findings, the report concludes with a series of urgent recommendations aimed at preventing a complete breakdown in governmental capacity to respond to increased migratory entries. These include the immediate installation of temporary infrastructure by the Ministry of Interior to facilitate the triage system mandated by PEMA, activation of contingency plans by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration to manage CETI overcrowding, and additional personnel support at CETI and the National Police to address the pressing migration emergency.
As reported by elpueblodeceuta.es.
