Morocco Blamed for Immigration Surge in Ceuta
On September 7, 2026, during a breakfast meeting organized by the Nueva Economía Fórum in Madrid, Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, made a bold and direct accusation against Morocco, asserting that the North African nation is responsible for the mass influx of immigrants into Ceuta that occurred on July 30 and 31. Vivas expressed his conviction, stating, "I am convinced that Morocco is behind this incursion; all indications point to that, and it is not the first time they have acted in such a manner, as evidenced by incidents in May 2021. There are even images showing the Moroccan Gendarmerie directing individuals to facilitate the mass entry into Ceuta." He emphasized that the autonomous city is currently undergoing an "existential crisis" that poses a significant threat to national sovereignty.
In his remarks, Vivas highlighted the urgency of questioning "who is behind this assault," given the precarious situation Ceuta faces. He described the city as being in a state of high risk and maximum alert concerning national security, likening it to a pressure cooker that could erupt if not addressed promptly. He stated, "The security of Ceuta, our border, and Europe relies on their intentions. They have wielded border control as a political weapon to jeopardize the territorial integrity of Ceuta and Spain, which carries substantial implications." Vivas stressed the need to establish a timeline for restoring normalcy following the recent invasion, stating, "The goal is to return Ceuta to a state of normality, which can only be achieved through the repatriation of all who entered illegally. If we fail to act, we risk facing another wave of 200,000 to 300,000 migrants. We urge the government to implement necessary measures and set a date for a return to normalcy, even if it is merely provisional. The people of Ceuta need to have hope, and we ask the government to specify when Ceuta will return to normal."
Political Support for Vivas Amidst Crisis
During the event, Vivas was joined by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party (PP), along with six regional presidents from his party, including Isabel Díaz Ayuso (Madrid), Juanma Moreno (Andalucía), Alfonso Rueda (Galicia), Fernando López-Miras (Murcia), Juanfran Pérez Llorca (Valencia), and Juan José Imbroda (Melilla). The gathering aimed to present a unified front in support of Vivas, showcasing broad backing that also included party leaders from regions without PP governance, the entire national management committee, and European representatives such as Esteban González Pons and Dolors Monserrat. Vivas is scheduled to travel to Brussels to meet with Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, and Dubravka Suica, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, to discuss the crisis further.
Feijóo, addressing the media on the same day, criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for "imposing" control over the Ceuta port to accommodate irregular migrants following the invasion at the end of July, labeling it as a "great irresponsibility." He highlighted that restoring normalcy for the citizens of Ceuta and ensuring they can live in peace will be a "national priority." Feijóo urged the government to make decisions that take into account the city's perspective rather than imposing them, as was done over the weekend against the advice of the Ceuta government and the Port Authority's board, as well as technical and legal reports.
He described the arrangement of housing over a thousand immigrants in a port area close to passenger ferries as a significant oversight that complicates the efforts of state security forces. "Ceuta needs clarity on the measures and timelines for the return of all who entered illegally," he asserted, defending Vivas's dignity against what he termed the "indignity" of Sánchez's government, which he believes has neglected the citizens of Ceuta. Feijóo reiterated that ensuring the safety and tranquility of Ceuta's residents must be a top priority on the national agenda.
As reported by vozpopuli.com.
