Spain relocated hundreds of migrants from Ceuta's streets and beaches to a new government facility on September 13, 2026, six weeks after more than 70,000 people crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco over July 30 and 31.

Government response lead Angel Victor Torres said via social media that 5,321 individuals had "voluntarily returned" to Morocco since August 10. He added that 90 people "gave up" protection requests, and "almost 1,000 people are being registered with the aim of being able to complete their return proceedings."

What do the return figures look like?

• 5,321 voluntary returns to Morocco since August 10, 2026
• 90 people withdrew their protection requests
• Roughly 1,000 people in active return proceedings

The Spanish government reported the over-5,300 figure on September 13 and expects the transfers to ease pressure on the tense enclave.

How many migrants remain in Ceuta?

The central government and Ceuta's local administration disagree sharply on the count. Ceuta leader Juan Jesus Vivas, of the opposition Popular Party, estimated 13,000 migrants remain. Spanish government figures run significantly lower.

The migration ministry has added 864 temporary shelter spaces, pushing total capacity to roughly 4,300. Residents have accused officials of abandoning the city amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis, prompting the protest response.

What is the new facility?

Police moved migrants to a site in Los Rosales. Tents in Ceuta's port area are nearly ready to receive additional arrivals, according to news agency EFE.

Spain is also accelerating work on two new accommodation sites designed to house more than 1,000 people, Reuters reported on September 14. The goal is to clear migrants who entered Ceuta in late July off the streets. Many have slept at a makeshift settlement on Benitez Beach since the crossings.

What happened during the mass arrival?

On July 30 and 31, tens of thousands of mostly male migrants swam from Morocco to Ceuta or climbed over border fences. Around 100 reportedly died during the border rush. Most who managed to enter the Spanish enclave returned immediately to Morocco.

Why is the situation politically charged?

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces growing criticism ahead of next year's election. The mass arrival has become a significant source of political tension, alongside street unrest and fires that destroyed makeshift migrant homes in recent weeks.

Sanchez's administration has pointed to voluntary returns as evidence of progress. Ceuta's local government, led by Vivas, has accused the central government of leaving the city to manage a crisis on its own.

What about public health concerns?

Five cases of chickenpox detected among the unvaccinated migrant population in Ceuta are "contained and isolated," EFE reported, citing the National Institute of Health Management (INGESA).

How is the Spanish government handling the response?

Authorities have worked to process asylum claims for those who remained in the enclave. The government has framed its handling of the situation around voluntary returns and processed paperwork rather than forced removals, a politically sensitive distinction with elections on the horizon.