Children in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta returned to school on September 8, 2026, under a cloud of apprehension due to an ongoing migrant crisis. Soldiers and police have been deployed to guard classrooms and bus routes, while some schools have implemented private security measures. Parents, citing safety concerns, are reportedly sending their children to school with pepper spray.
The current situation follows an influx of approximately 70,000 migrants from North Africa who arrived on Ceuta's beaches around July 30, 2026. While most have since returned to Morocco, an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 remain, with many living on beaches and in public spaces. Teachers have reported instances of migrants defecating and urinating near school facilities, creating unsanitary conditions and posing a public health concern. One teacher described the smell as nauseating and noted that migrants were consuming meals near school gates, leaving behind food waste.
Parents have voiced frustration and fear over the perceived lack of enforcement of laws and the adequacy of security measures. Miriam Fedal, a mother of four, stated that she felt unsafe and had resort to providing her daughters with pepper spray, adding that "no measures are being taken; the laws are not being enforced." She expressed concern that daily life is deteriorating and questioned the guarantee of safety for children attending school. Other parents lamented the disruption to education and the inability to enjoy normal summer activities due to the crisis.
The Spanish enclave, with a population of about 84,000, has experienced a significant strain on resources since the mass crossing. Local authorities have suggested that the central government in Spain was aware of the potential for the border breach. Ceuta's regional leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, characterized the event not as a migratory crisis but as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity." He advocated for strengthening the border with Morocco rather than relying solely on cooperation.
The Spanish government has denied accusations of neglecting Ceuta and has allocated approximately 309 million euros (about $266 million) to aid the city's social services, economy, and security, with a focus on housing migrants. However, questions persist regarding Morocco's role in preventing the initial surge and the influence of social media disinformation campaigns, as alleged by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Despite authorities' efforts to shelter, register, and deport eligible migrants, many, including unaccompanied minors, continue to reside on the streets and beaches. The government of Ceuta has postponed the reopening of state-owned nurseries until September 28. The situation has led to widespread protests across Spain, with demonstrators in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville calling for solutions and criticizing the government's handling of the crisis. Protesters have specifically targeted Prime Minister Sánchez, chanting slogans such as "Sánchez to prison" and "Invaders — go home!"