In Ceuta, 5,000 migrants, 3,800 of them in reception centers

Over 5,000 migrants have arrived in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, with approximately 3,800 already accommodated in temporary reception centres. The remaining around 1,200 continue to reside on the streets, according to officials. Minister of Health Mónica García announced this during a press conference on Saturday, stating that the government expects to provide shelter for all migrants within the next two to three weeks. The situation has escalated significantly since late July, when thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco. According to data from Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the total number of migrants who have entered the city over the past few weeks exceeds 72,000. Among them, roughly 1,500 are minors. The local authorities have been working to manage the influx, though challenges remain in ensuring adequate housing and basic services for all arrivals. On Friday, the Crisis Management Committee in Ceuta unanimously approved a new list of temporary accommodation sites for migrants who have been living without proper shelter since their arrival on July 30th and 31st. García described the current situation as a humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that providing shelter, water, and dignified conditions is the top priority. She also criticized the initial response of local authorities, claiming they showed little interest in addressing the issue and instead attempted to push migrants away. In recent days, there has been a shift in attitude among local authorities, who now cooperate more closely with the central government to secure safe locations for temporary housing. García stressed that any expulsion efforts must comply with Spanish laws and respect human rights. She explicitly ruled out conducting illegal expulsions or those contrary to human rights principles. Grande-Marlaska, meanwhile, refuted claims that the large-scale entry of migrants into Ceuta could have been predicted based on available reports. He stated that the situation has developed rapidly, requiring urgent action. Despite these efforts, tensions persist in the city, with many migrants still sleeping on beaches and public spaces. Residents have organized protests demanding solutions from the government, although demonstrations have largely remained peaceful. Local media reported that crime in the autonomous city has increased by five percent, with 17 sexual assaults recorded, seven of which were cases of rape. Most victims were young migrant men. While protests have generally stayed calm, some incidents involving verbal confrontations between protesters and migrants have occurred. Many residents have taken to the streets carrying Spanish flags and messages calling for measures to restore normal life. One resident, Habiba, who moved to Ceuta 30 years ago from Morocco, expressed frustration over the ongoing crisis. “Everyone wants a future. But Ceuta is very small, we can’t take care of so many people,” she said. “I want to help, but how? There’s not enough food for everyone.” Her comments reflect the growing concern among locals about the long-term impact of the migration wave on the community.