Ceuta President disputes migrant numbers, citing up to 11,000 remaining
Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, has reported a significant discrepancy between local estimates and Spanish government data regarding the number of undocumented Moroccan migrants currently in the Spanish enclave. While the Spanish central government claims approximately 2,500 migrants remain in the city, Vivas estimates the actual number is between 8,000 and 11,000.
The crisis follows a massive surge in migration from Morocco in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that about 72,000 migrants entered the territory, with roughly 70,000 having already returned to Morocco. Conversely, Moroccan authorities estimate that 40,000 people entered Ceuta during the period.
Vivas has described the situation as "absolutely unsustainable" and is calling for urgent intervention from the central government. His demands include the deployment of at least 1,000 additional National Police and Civil Guard officers, increased resources for immigration services, and a continued military presence to secure the border. He emphasized that all migrants arriving during the surge must return to Morocco via the Tarajal crossing, rejecting any possibilities of legalization or transfer to mainland Spain to prevent future irregular entries.
Entities: Ceuta · Fernando Grande-Marlaska · Juan Jesús Vivas · Morocco · Morocco · Spain · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] About 72,000 migrants entered Spanish territory during the surge, with 70,000 having returned to Morocco. (Fernando Grande-Marlaska)
- [DISPUTED] The number of undocumented Moroccan migrants remaining in Ceuta is between 8,000 and 11,000. (Juan Jesús Vivas)
- [DISPUTED] Approximately 2,500 migrants remain in Ceuta. (Spanish Government)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ceuta's president requested the deployment of at least 1,000 additional National Police and Civil Guard agents. (Juan Jesús Vivas)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The city's president opposes any legalization of stay or transfers to mainland Spain for these migrants. (Juan Jesús Vivas)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Morocco estimates approximately 40,000 people entered Ceuta. (Moroccan authorities)