Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated during his visit to the autonomous city of Ceuta that his government would deploy “all the State’s resources and capabilities” to guarantee security and preserve stability, while expressing solidarity with the city’s residents amid the mounting pressure caused by the arrival of large numbers of migrants.
According to the Spanish newspaper Europa Sur, Sánchez attributed the recent migration wave to what he described as a “misinterpretation” promoted by human trafficking networks regarding a ruling issued by Spain’s Supreme Court. The ruling prohibits the immediate return of migrants who reach Ceuta by swimming in areas where no physical border barrier exists. In response, the Prime Minister announced plans to install a system of maritime buoys to mark the maritime boundary between Ceuta and Morocco in accordance with the judicial ruling.
The newspaper added that Sánchez also announced the acceleration of procedures to return individuals who entered the city irregularly and said his government was prepared to consider amendments to Spain’s immigration legislation in order to make border return procedures more effective. He also stressed that the Moroccan authorities are cooperating closely with Madrid to speed up the return of Moroccan nationals.
According to Europa Sur, Sánchez’s visit took place in a tense atmosphere. A group of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of Ceuta’s regional government, chanting slogans calling for his resignation, while Spain’s National Police established a wide security perimeter. Local police also intervened before his arrival to prevent clashes between residents and migrants near the city hall.
The newspaper further reported that the Spanish government has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to manage the situation. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares is holding consultations with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, to coordinate migrant return operations, while also consulting with European Union officials who have expressed their support for Spain in addressing the situation.
Europa Sur also cited European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who described the scenes of mass crossings into Ceuta as “unacceptable,” calling for an end to dangerous migration journeys, the dismantling of human trafficking networks, and the acceleration of migrant returns in accordance with European legislation.
On the humanitarian front, the newspaper reported that the crisis continues to take a heavy toll, with at least 24 people having died while attempting to reach Ceuta by sea. At the same time, voluntary return operations to Morocco are continuing, although new groups of migrants are still arriving at a slower pace.
Politically, Europa Sur reported that Spain’s Popular Party has intensified its criticism of the government, arguing that the situation in Ceuta goes beyond a migration crisis and represents an issue affecting Spain’s national sovereignty. The party has therefore called for tighter security measures along the borders of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as a stricter migration policy.