The Spanish Ministry of Interior has reported that 129 undocumented migrants entered the city of Ceuta during the first half of July. This information was included in their bi-monthly report published on July 16, which highlighted ongoing pressures from irregular migration toward the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
According to the report covering the period from January 1 to July 15, 2025, a total of 1,091 migrants entered Ceuta via the land border, representing a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period last year.
Decline in Sea Arrivals
The report noted a significant reduction in the number of migrants arriving by sea to Ceuta, with only three individuals recorded this year, down from 13 in the same period of 2024—a decrease of 76.9%.
Despite this decline, incidents involving the Spanish Coast Guard rescuing migrants off the city’s shores remain frequent, reflecting the persistent challenges associated with irregular migration.
Increase in Arrivals to Melilla
Conversely, Melilla has experienced a considerable rise in migrant entries, with 96 instances of land arrival recorded by July 15, compared to just 16 during the same period last year, marking an increase of 562.5%.
Sea migration to Melilla has also surged, with nine migrants arriving by this route, up from one in 2024—an increase of 800%. Additionally, the number of boats used for these crossings rose from one last year to three this year, reflecting a growth of 200%.
Decline in Arrivals to the Canary Islands and Nationwide
On a national scale, the report indicated a noticeable decline in migrants arriving in the Canary Islands, with 11,454 recorded by mid-July 2025, down from 19,634 during the same period in 2024—an overall decrease of 41.7%.
The total number of undocumented migrants entering Spain through various routes in the same timeframe amounted to 19,114, a drop of 27.3% compared to last year. The data further indicated that the overwhelming majority of arrivals (17,917 migrants) entered via the sea, utilizing 601 makeshift boats, which is 138 fewer than the previous year.
Increase in Arrivals on the Spanish Mainland and Balearic Islands
Notwithstanding the overall decline, the data revealed a 16.6% rise in the number of migrants reaching the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands, increasing from 5,531 in 2024 to 6,451 during the same period this year.
