Pressure Cooker in the Enclave: Ceuta Collapses Under the Burden of Hundreds of Migrant Minors

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta is facing a sharp surge in the number of migrant minors, reaching 862 within about two weeks. The official capacity stands at only 29 places, and occupancy is over 3,000 percent higher. Authorities are expanding reception facilities and requesting urgent aid from Madrid, against the backdrop of the 2021 crisis.

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in North Africa, is grappling with a severe migration crisis: the number of unaccompanied migrant minors has soared to 862 in just about two weeks. The standard capacity set by the Spanish Ministry of Youth and Children is only 29 places, so current occupancy is over 3,000 percent above the allowed limit. Gaitan, a local official, warned that this is an unbearable situation requiring a swift response. The workforce for caring for the minors numbers about 250 employees, nearly the same as the number of local police officers (290). The local government plans to approach Madrid for urgent financial assistance, after a conference in mid-July allocated 5.5 million euros, an amount that is insufficient. Authorities will begin promoting the transfer of minors to the Iberian Peninsula, against the backdrop of the 2021 crisis when over 10,000 people crossed the border.