Local Ceuta Authorities Estimate Around 10,000 Migrants Remain in the Tiny Enclave

CEUTA, Spain - Local authorities in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta say between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants remain in the territory more than a week after a mass border crossing from neighboring Morocco, a figure significantly higher than central government estimates.

Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas stated on Saturday that the number of people still present stands at roughly 8,000 to 11,000, describing the situation as "absolutely unsustainable." The estimate centers around 10,000 individuals scattered across the 7-square-mile (approximately 18.5 km²) enclave, which has a resident population of about 84,000.

The influx occurred primarily on July 30–31, 2026, when tens of thousands of people-official Spanish figures put the total at around 72,000-crossed by land and sea from Morocco into the Spanish territory. Most returned or were returned to Morocco in the following days with bilateral cooperation. Spain's Interior Ministry maintains that only about 2,000 to 2,500 people remain.

Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas stated on Saturday that the number of people still present stands at roughly 8,000 to 11,000, describing the situation as "absolutely unsustainable."

Local officials and on-the-ground reports indicate many of those still in Ceuta are living in makeshift conditions on beaches such as El Trampolín, in streets, and other public areas, with limited access to shelter, sanitation, and basic services. Reception centers have been overwhelmed. A substantial share of the remaining group includes unaccompanied minors, who cannot be summarily returned under Spanish law, as well as individuals from sub-Saharan African countries in addition to Moroccans.

Vivas has called the return of those still present the "only way out" of the crisis and has urged the Spanish central government for greater support, clearer accounting of numbers, and firm action against any further crossings. Authorities are also monitoring social media for reports of possible additional attempts in mid-August.

The discrepancy between local and national figures has fueled debate over the true scale of the residual presence and the capacity of the small enclave to manage the humanitarian and public-order challenges that persist.