The Spanish government has announced plans to confine migrants in the enclave of Ceuta before their expulsion, according to a proposal that has drawn criticism from human rights groups. The measure aims to streamline deportation procedures for irregular migrants arriving in the North African territory.
Under the plan, migrants would be held in a detention center while their cases are processed, with the goal of expediting returns to their countries of origin. The Spanish Interior Ministry has not yet provided a timeline for implementation, but officials say the move is necessary to manage migratory pressure.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern, arguing that such confinement could lead to prolonged detention without adequate legal safeguards. They urge Spain to ensure that any measures respect international law and migrants' rights.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates in Spain over migration policy, particularly in Ceuta and Melilla, which have seen periodic surges in arrivals. The Spanish government has not released official statistics for 2026, but previous years saw thousands of attempts to cross the border.
