Spain established a 500-meter barrier along its Ceuta sea border with Morocco following a major breach by tens of thousands of migrants earlier in the week. The incident resulted in at least 67 migrant deaths due to drownings and a stampede at a breakwater barrier, as reported by the Spanish government.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized some European Union leaders’ reactions, dismissing calls for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen zone as fueled by prejudice and misinformation. Migrants who arrived on Ceuta’s Tarajal beach were met by soldiers guiding them back.
Most of the 50,000 to 60,000 migrants returned shortly after entering Ceuta. Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reaffirmed the nation’s resolve against unlawful entries and praised Morocco’s cooperation in addressing the situation swiftly.
“Morocco is not a threat to Ceuta, or to the rest of Spain. It is a reliable partner,” Marlaska asserted.
EU leaders from 22 countries called for a unified response to the incident. A letter sent to EU officials emphasized avoiding the perception of mass illegal crossings becoming legal stays. Leaders argued this perception could jeopardize the EU’s cohesion.
Sánchez requested a meeting of EU interior ministers to address external border security as a shared responsibility. Meanwhile, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni warned of suspending Italy’s open-border Schengen arrangement with Spain.
Hundreds of migrants returned to Morocco after experiencing harsh conditions in Ceuta. Reports described migrants as hungry, injured, and disappointed by their treatment on the Spanish side. Many returned voluntarily, navigating breaches in the border fence.
Migrants reported sleeping in forests and struggling for food, with some expressing disbelief at the lack of support from fellow Moroccans. Observers noted continued unrest along the border road linking Fnideq to Ceuta.
Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas acknowledged the city’s disruption but stated the migrant returns were progressing. In Tangier, Morocco, travelers crowded the main railway station as they made their way back.
Despite the challenges, some migrants, like Mohamed Hatri, insisted on staying in Ceuta, determined to endure the conditions rather than return home.
Reporter Oubachir covered this event from Fnideq, while contributions came from Renata Brito in Barcelona and Elena Becatoros in Athens.