Morocco Demands Return of Migrant Children After Ceuta Influx

Morocco's Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi demanded the return of all unaccompanied Moroccan migrant children in Spanish territory following a massive influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Ouahbi stated Morocco can guarantee the children's future and will use all legal and political means to achieve their return. Spanish authorities are finalizing plans to distribute hundreds of minors from Ceuta to mainland Spain, a move opposed by some autonomous communities and the VOX party. An estimated 1,400 unaccompanied minors were among tens of thousands of migrants who entered Ceuta between late July and early August.

The surge was reportedly fueled by social media disinformation, with messages on Instagram and TikTok falsely suggesting an open border. A digital developer and artificial intelligence expert analyzed hundreds of posts, finding that videos of people crossing and reaching Ceuta garnered millions of views, presenting a practicable, immediate and humane route. The expert found no evidence that any government or influencer orchestrated the mobilization.

The influx, which occurred around July 30-31, saw approximately 72,000 migrants breach the border. Spanish authorities claimed to have returned around 70,000 migrants to Morocco within days. Reports indicate thousands, particularly unaccompanied minors, likely remained. The University Hospital of Ceuta treated at least five girls under 14 for alleged rapes, with an emergency doctor confirming multiple cases due to lack of shelter space.

Nearly 100 migrants are believed to have drowned attempting the crossing. The leader of Ceuta has called for the detention and expulsion of thousands of migrants remaining in the territory.