Spain Relocates Migrants in Ceuta Amid Political Dispute Over Minors

The Spanish government has relocated approximately 1,800 migrants from El Trampolín beach to two temporary accommodation centers in the enclave of Ceuta. This action follows a massive migratory wave on July 30 and 31, during which roughly 72,000 people crossed the border from Morocco. While the majority returned to Morocco, thousands remained in precarious conditions, sleeping on beaches and streets with limited access to food, water, and sanitation. The government has established a military site in Loma Margarita for sub Saharan migrants and a parking area in Loma Colmenar for Maghrebi migrants. Despite the relocation, about 500 migrants returned to the beach to retrieve personal belongings, which temporarily halted city cleaning efforts.

A central point of contention is the plan to transfer 500 unaccompanied minor girls to the Spanish mainland. The government argues that these children are particularly vulnerable and cannot be summarily expelled under Spanish law. However, this plan has sparked a political battle. The conservative opposition, including the Partido Popular and the mayor of Ceuta, Juan Vivas, has rejected the mainland transfer and demanded the expulsion of all migrants, including minors. Meanwhile, the European Commission has expressed a clear expectation that all illegal migrants be returned to Morocco, while simultaneously reminding Spain of its duty to protect vulnerable minors.

Families in Morocco continue to search for missing relatives who disappeared during the July influx, prompting Spain to open a special office for missing persons. Health officials in Ceuta have reported outbreaks of scabies, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections among the migrant population due to poor hygiene conditions.