The Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, presented new figures on 8 October 2026 for the distribution of unaccompanied minors from Ceuta . According to the figures, 173 children and young people were transferred to facilities in other Autonomous Communities. A further 86 minors were accommodated through family reunifications on the Spanish mainland. Torres described the figures as an interim update on ongoing measures after a meeting of the Ceuta crisis committee, and highlighted cooperation with regional administrations.
According to the ministry, relocations and family reunifications must be clearly distinguished: family reunifications take place where family ties have been verified and accommodation is legally secured. Relocations involve placing minors in institutional reception facilities in other regions to ease pressure on Ceuta’s capacity. The procedures follow the legal requirements for the care and distribution of unaccompanied minors, clarified in 2025; they provide for both emergency and regular placements.
The latest figures come amid a migration situation that has continued since the end of July 2026. Since 10 August 2026, the central government has reported extensive returns to Morocco and measures to close temporary accommodation in Ceuta. Public-service media such as RTVE cite government figures indicating more than 11,000 returns in two months. These figures mainly concern adult migrants and should be considered separately from the specific child-protection procedures for minors.
The situation in Ceuta remains politically contentious. Torres emphasised coordination with local authorities and security forces. Critics in regional and opposition politics are calling for returns to be carried out more quickly and for clear agreements on responsibilities between the city of Ceuta, the Autonomous Communities and the central government. Experts also stress that, in cases involving minors, the child’s best interests, the verification of family ties and the quality of accommodation must take priority.
Torres said the ministry would provide further reports. For now, the objectives remain to ease pressure on Ceuta’s facilities, establish family relationships on a sound legal basis and place minors in suitable settings. How many of the children in Ceuta’s care will remain in the city, be accommodated through family reunification in Morocco or on the Spanish mainland, or receive care following relocation to other regions will depend on individual assessments and available capacity.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).