##  Spanish Authorities Relocate Dozens of Minors Amid Overcrowding Crisis in Ceuta 

**Urgent Transfers as Migrant Numbers Surge, Raising Concerns About Human Rights**

Ceuta, Spain – In response to a surge in migrant arrivals over the weekend, Spanish authorities have begun relocating dozens of unaccompanied minors, including Moroccan nationals, from overcrowded reception centers in Ceuta.  Local reports indicate that 27 Moroccan minors were transferred to other regions across Spain as part of an emergency support plan coordinated between regional and central governments.

This move comes after what officials described as the largest attempted mass crossing of the summer on Saturday. Both Spanish and Moroccan border authorities raised their alert levels at crossings into Ceuta and Melilla in anticipation of increased pressure. 

**Overcapacity Crisis Forces Action**

Ceuta’s local government formally requested urgent support from Madrid after the number of minors housed in its facilities surged to 500, nearly four times the legal capacity of 132. To cope with the influx, officials are now considering opening new reception facilities, particularly in Ceuta’s industrial zones.

**Long-Term Solutions Needed**

While Spanish authorities have stepped up oversight of these centers, concerns remain about potential human rights violations amid accelerated transfers.  Migration researcher Khalid Mouna warned that the crisis should prompt a deeper reflection on Morocco's responsibility in addressing the continued outflow of vulnerable populations, particularly minors. 

"This situation calls into question the effectiveness of Morocco’s public policies for youth employment, education, and reintegration," Mouna told  *Hespress AR*. He noted that while unaccompanied child migration is not a new issue, its persistence poses significant long-term demographic challenges for Morocco. "These children represent the country's future workforce, and their departure comes as Morocco, like many nations, confronts an aging population."

Mouna emphasized that the central issue is not just overcrowded reception centers but Morocco’s inability to prevent the migration of minors, many of whom swim to Ceuta in risky solo crossings before reaching adulthood. Spanish authorities typically move quickly to relocate such minors to avoid forced repatriation when they turn 18.


**Media Exaggeration vs. Lack of Structural Solutions**

Journalist Hassan Bentaleb, who specializes in migration affairs, cautioned against media exaggeration of minor migration cases. "Every summer, we see a spike in irregular crossings and an overflow in reception centers. This is not a new phenomenon," Bentaleb told *Hespress AR*.  He criticized the lack of structural solutions, saying that each year, local and central Spanish governments engage in the same debates without implementing long-term strategies. “They rely on temporary redistribution tactics rather than real reform,” he said, also highlighting regional disparities in the quality of services provided to migrant minors in Spain’s north versus the south.

The crisis reflects ongoing challenges in managing irregular migration and protecting the rights of unaccompanied minors, amid shifting border pressures and unresolved bilateral issues between Morocco and Spain. 




##  Spanish Authorities Relocate Dozens of Minors Amid Overcrowding Crisis in Ceuta 

**Urgent Transfers as Migrant Numbers Surge, Raising Concerns About Human 

Moroccan minors transferred from Ceuta amid overcrowding cri

Moroccan minors transferred from Ceuta amid overcrowding crisis at Spanish reception centers

## Stormy Seas Can't Deter Minors: 54 Moroccan Youths Swim to Ceuta

**Unaccompanied youths reach Spanish enclave amid rough conditions, raising migrant numbers in city beyond capacity.**


**Ceuta, Spain** - Fifty-four unaccompanied Moroccan minors swam into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Friday night, braving stormy weather and rough seas to reach El Tarajal and Benzú coastal areas. The Civil Guard conducted rescue operations overnight as some youths arrived using only life rafts.

This latest surge brings the total number of migrant minors under Ceuta's care to 514, significantly exceeding the city's capacity of 132.  Local officials have declared the situation "a matter of state," urgently requesting intervention from Spain’s central government. Authorities have deployed additional local police officers to locate unregistered minors and enhance patrols along Ceuta's southern coastline to prevent further crossings.

The timing of this influx is particularly sensitive, coming just four days before the start of Ceuta's annual summer fair. This event typically coincides with "Operation Feriante," a law enforcement campaign focused on inspecting vehicles boarding ferries to Algeciras, as minors often attempt to hide aboard rides to cross into mainland Spain. 

**A Growing Trend**

This incident reflects a larger trend of irregular sea arrivals from Morocco in the first half of 2025.  Between January and May:

* Approximately 797 Moroccans reached Spain via the Western Mediterranean route (Ceuta, Melilla, and southern mainland), accounting for 16.5% of all arrivals on that route.
* 725 Moroccans arrived in the Canary Islands via the perilous Atlantic corridor, representing 6.6% of arrivals on that route.




## Stormy Seas Can't Deter Minors: 54 Moroccan Youths Swim to Ceuta

**Unaccompanied youths reach Spanish enclave amid rough conditions, raising migrant numbers

#Moroccan minors

Moroccan minors transferred from Ceuta amid overcrowding crisis at Spanish reception centers

54 Moroccan minors swim to Ceuta during overnight storm