Spanish Police Move Thousands of Ceuta Migrants to Shelters as 10,000 Remain in Limbo
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 21
Spanish Police Move Thousands of Ceuta Migrants to Shelters as 10,000 Remain in Limbo
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 21
Summary
1,800 shelter spaces have been secured in Ceuta, where Spanish police on Thursday escorted several hundred migrants from a beach camp to makeshift facilities after weeks of rough sleeping.
Up to 10,000 migrants may still be in the city after more than 72,000 crossed from Morocco in late July; Madrid puts the current figure closer to 5,000.
About 2,000 minors are among those still in Ceuta, and the U.N. refugee agency says roughly 1,200 people could qualify for international protection if Spain starts processing asylum claims quickly.
At least 90 people died in the initial border rush, and those who remain face strict exit checks from Ceuta, leaving many stranded while authorities verify identities, nationality and protection status.
Ceuta's mayor says Madrid is not doing enough despite 6.5 million euros in emergency aid, underscoring a widening political and humanitarian strain in the city of 84,000.