Spain moves to house 1,800 migrants in Ceuta after mass influx from Morocco

The Spanish government has established two new shelters in Ceuta to accommodate 1,800 migrants, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by a mass influx from Morocco. Approximately 72,000 migrants crossed the border on July 30-31, with 70,000 returning since then, according to official data. The remaining individuals, including unaccompanied children, are facing challenges accessing essential resources as the city's facilities are strained.

Many have been sleeping on the streets or at the beach, with women and girls particularly vulnerable. Locals have voiced concerns about security and hygiene issues due to the presence of homeless migrants. The Spanish migration ministry stated that the shelters are temporary and intended to provide alternative accommodation for those who no longer need to sleep outdoors.

The priority is to transfer 500 girls to mainland Spain; however, the conservative Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox oppose taking in unaccompanied children. The government asserts that mass deportations of minors are illegal, emphasizing the need for specialized care for the affected girls, some as young as 10 or 11.