Ceuta stabilises after mass migrant influx, most return to Morocco
After a sudden arrival of up to 60,000 migrants, most have gone back to Morocco, while authorities continue searches and political tensions rise in the Spanish enclave.
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, saw the majority of the roughly 60,000 migrants who entered the city over the weekend walk back to Morocco by Sunday. Spanish civil guard vessels kept searching the waters near the urban beach for bodies, after at least 72 deaths were reported, including drownings and fatalities in a stampede at a breakwater barrier.
Local businesses reopened and residents and tourists began filling terraces, restaurants and cafés, but the city remains dealing with the aftermath of the surge. Residents expressed differing views on the causes and responsibility for the event. > "It’s not the young men’s fault. If you open the border, of course everyone comes in, but the young men aren’t to blame. The authorities are responsible," said Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a local waiter.
Far-right politicians and right-wing influencers visited Ceuta over the weekend, prompting counter-protests that included members of the city’s large Muslim community. Alvise Pérez, a European Parliament member, called for the expulsion of the migrants and was later escorted away by police after facing an angry crowd. Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, described the influx as an "invasion" and criticised the government’s border policies.
Local resident Eva Barrientos warned that the episode could fuel mistrust toward foreign-born residents, suggesting some may feel greater loyalty to Morocco. The city’s traditionally multicultural character – encompassing Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities – was described by some as being tested by the crisis.
The Pope expressed concern over the situation, urging that solutions promoting peace, stability and justice be found.