In the Spanish city of Ceuta, a serious humanitarian crisis has emerged as more than 40,000 irregular immigrants have entered over the past few days. Crossing the sea from Morocco to reach Ceuta, at least 19 people have been confirmed dead, with rescue efforts ongoing. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on Friday to assess immigrant management and border security.
According to the Spanish daily El País, preliminary security estimates indicate that over 40,000 irregular migrants have entered Ceuta in recent days, with some security sources suggesting the number could approach 50,000. However, Spain’s Ministry of the Interior has not yet released official figures. If these estimates are accurate, it means that in a city with a population of approximately 84,000, nearly more than half the population arrived within just a few days.
The capacity of Ceuta’s temporary migrant center has long been exceeded. With only about 500 people able to be accommodated, hundreds of young people have been waiting in shifts outside the center overnight. Those without shelter have been sleeping in parks, on the seashore, and other public spaces. Some have been collecting coins to buy snacks, while others are heading toward the port, hoping to board ferries to mainland Spain.
El País reported that at least 19 deaths have been confirmed among those attempting to reach Ceuta by swimming from Morocco. Police have stated that rescue teams are still conducting search operations, indicating the death toll could rise. For those who have survived the crossing, challenges continue. Providing temporary shelter, health checks, food, water, and managing legal procedures has become the Spanish administration’s greatest challenge at this moment.
