Ceuta says surge of child migrants creates unsustainable crisis, seeks aid

Ceuta's authorities reported that a recent surge of irregular migrants, which started on July 30, left the enclave with roughly 2,500 people still present after most were sent back to Morocco. Among those remaining are hundreds of unaccompanied children, with officials stating that 1,100 minors are being looked after in facilities built for only 90, a situation described as "absolutely unsustainable" by leader Juan Jesus Vivas.

He warned that the overcrowding threatens public order and security. Miguel Angel Perez confirmed that minors are still on the streets, labeling the issue a priority and a source of great concern. The regional government appealed to the central Spanish administration for help, accusing it of a late and insufficient response, while Save the Children put the number of unprotected children at about 1,000.

The Ministry for Youth and Children announced an emergency allocation of €25 million and converted two schools into reception centres, primarily for unaccompanied girls. Political opposition from the Popular Party and Vox may complicate any redistribution of the children to other parts of Spain.