Police union disputes Spain's Ceuta migrant return figures

The Spanish government claims 7,099 migrants have voluntarily left Ceuta since the mass border crossing in late July, but the Unified Police Union (SUP) disputes this figure, estimating that over 14,000 remain in the city. Source: elespanolSource: abces

The numbers gap

The Interior Ministry says 150–200 people are returning to Morocco voluntarily each day. Source: elespanol However, police on the ground report an average of only 60 daily voluntary departures, based on surveillance systems. Source: elespanolSource: abces The SUP questions how, if over 7,000 have left, the visible migrant presence in Ceuta appears to be increasing. Source: abces

Where are the migrants?

The union breaks down its estimate of more than 14,000 remaining migrants:

• 6,000 adults in camps and official shelters
• 2,400 minors in care centers
• 2,000 in the Príncipe neighborhood, including about 100 "patera flats"
• 1,000 in Hadú and Los Rosales
• 3,000 on Trampolín and Benítez beaches Source: abces

Points of agreement

Both the government and the SUP agree on the number of forced returns: around 350. Source: elespanolSource: abces The union also confirms that Morocco has recently resumed accepting some sub-Saharan migrants for return, which has led to a spike in asylum applications among those trying to avoid deportation. Source: elespanolSource: abces