Explained: Hundreds of migrant children are stranded in Spain's Ceuta after mass crossing

More than 800 minors remained in Ceuta four days after a mass crossing attempt from Morocco.

breakwater

A barrier built to protect a coast or harbor from waves, which migrants swam around to reach Spanish territory.

asylum

Legal protection adult migrants can apply for in Spain; if rejected, they face expulsion procedures.

unaccompanied minor

A migrant child not traveling with an adult guardian, who under Spanish law is supposed to be granted protection and care.

Civil Guard

A Spanish law enforcement body to which the boy was transferred instead of being repatriated.

expulsion procedures

The legal process used to remove migrants from Spain if their asylum claims are rejected.