Spain Installs Barrier Amid Migrant Crisis in Ceuta

CEUTA, Spain (AP) — Spain recently established a barrier extending 500 meters on the sea border between Ceuta, its North African territory, and neighboring Morocco. This action followed a breach of the frontier by tens of thousands of migrants earlier in the week. Tragically, at least 67 migrants lost their lives from drowning or being caught in a stampede while crossing the breakwater barrier, the Spanish government reported on Saturday.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed disapproval of responses by certain EU leaders, criticizing the calls for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen zone as being influenced by prejudice, misinformation, or political motives. Despite the tense situation, a few weary migrants arriving at Ceuta’s Tarajal beach on Saturday morning were escorted back across the border by soldiers.

Although between 50,000 to 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Thursday to Friday, many returned soon afterwards. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the country’s steadfastness against lawbreakers. He defended the government’s cooperation with Morocco, stating, “Events require an evaluation by Spain and Morocco.” He highlighted Morocco’s reliability as a partner and their collaborative efforts that quickly stabilized the situation.

EU Leaders Urge United Action

Leaders from 22 EU countries called for a united response in a letter to top EU officials, urging the EU’s Irish presidency to initiate an emergency video conference of interior ministers. The letter, circulated by the Danish prime minister’s office, stressed the need to prevent uncontrolled mass crossings and the manipulation of migration. It warned against creating perceptions that illegal entry into the EU might lead to legal residency.

Signatories included leaders from countries such as Italy, Denmark, and Germany. Sánchez also advocated for an EU ministerial video conference to form a collaborative response and reaffirm the shared responsibility for external border security among member states.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has threatened to restore border controls for Italians arriving from Spain via air and sea, disputing the Schengen agreement. Sánchez criticized such actions as selfish and polarizing.

Migrants Return to Morocco

Hundreds of migrants returned to Morocco, some stating to the Associated Press that they chose to return willingly due to degrading conditions on the Spanish side. Migrants re-entered Morocco through breaches in the border fence, as Moroccan police and soldiers observed. The majority of returnees were Moroccans, with some from sub-Saharan Africa.

Facing hunger and hostility, these migrants relayed their experiences in Ceuta, describing difficult living conditions. Migrants cited personal reasons for returning, including conflicts with Spanish authorities and inadequate shelter.

Alongside Ceuta’s Tarajal beach, locals continued with normal activities, largely ignoring the ongoing migrant movements. Ceuta resident Mohamed Abdelatif commented on the impact of the border rush, feeling its disruption on the city’s peace.

Authorities, such as Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas, acknowledged the restoration process’s challenges but remained optimistic. In Tangier, Morocco, migrants headed back via railway stations, having endured significant hardships near the border area.

Some migrants, determined to stay in Ceuta, faced scarcity as local provisions diminished, displaying resolve despite adversity.