In a dire situation unfolding in Ceuta, a massive influx of immigrants has been witnessed at the El Tarajal border, overwhelming the capabilities of the Spanish Civil Guard. On Thursday, thousands of immigrants, predominantly young individuals, have resorted to swimming across the breakwater, necessitating rescues by overwhelmed Civil Guard agents. Military and Legion units are on standby to intervene if the circumstances demand.
Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called for a national emergency declaration, a request that has been denied by the Ministry of the Interior. They argue that this measure does not recognize migratory flows as a risk to the National Civil Protection System, nor does it establish special management plans or specific civil protection instruments.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced that he would travel to Ceuta early tomorrow to monitor the evolving situation and meet with local authorities, including the Government Delegation, and senior officials of the National Police and Civil Guard. He assured that the Government is deploying additional resources and personnel to ensure both security and humanitarian support, aiming to prevent any loss of life in the sea.
Emergency services have already been deployed to assist some immigrants attempting to cross from Morocco. Civil Guard underwater specialist groups are tirelessly rescuing numerous individuals to prevent drowning incidents. This scenario echoes a similar crisis experienced in May 2021 when over 10,000 people crossed the El Tarajal border, leading to significant challenges.
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court determined that the Immigration Law does not authorize border refusals, commonly known as 'hot returns,' for individuals who swim to Ceuta and Melilla, contrasting with those who cross by land. The court clarified that the special regime outlined in the Immigration Act does not apply to those entering by swimming, as no border containment elements are crossed in such scenarios.
The political party Iustitia Europa has lodged a complaint with the National Court regarding the mass entry of immigrants at the El Tarajal border, alleging potential crimes against state security, illegal immigration facilitation, and omissions in pursuing criminal acts. They are urging the court to initiate a criminal investigation and identify those responsible for the incidents.
Throughout the morning, crossings from Morocco to the autonomous city have continued, with security forces and emergency teams deployed to manage the situation as maritime arrivals persist. The primary concern now revolves around the capacity to provide assistance and shelter in the coming hours, as humanitarian services prepare for a surge of individuals exceeding initial forecasts.
Red Cross personnel have arrived at the shoreline to assist the arriving individuals, working in proximity to the rock outcrop to tend to the newcomers. The mass arrivals have persisted for over seven hours since they began at 11:00, with access continuing until 18:00, though official figures on the arrivals have yet to be confirmed.
The Spanish Police Confederation has criticized the Ministry of the Interior's handling of the situation, asserting that the crisis in Ceuta was foreseeable, calling for a robust response plan involving more agents and legal adjustments to strengthen border protection. The major police union advocates for urgent reforms to allow immediate returns of those entering Spain illegally, regardless of whether the entry is by land or sea.
Both the Unified Police Union and JUPOL are pressing the Interior Ministry for urgent measures in light of the migration pressure in the autonomous city. They request additional personnel, resources, and enhanced units at the border. Meanwhile, JUCIL has accused the Interior and Defense Ministries of inaction and is demanding political accountability, emphasizing that the burden of containment is primarily falling on the Civil Guard.
The Independent Civil Guard Association warns that the operational capacities of the border perimeter and maritime service are being exceeded, urging a clear strategy and more personnel to respond effectively to the escalating crisis. JUCIL and IGC have reported that the personnel deployed in Ceuta are 'at their limit' and are advocating for immediate reinforcements and resources to tackle the border pressure.
In response to the crisis, the General Secretary of the Popular Party, Miguel Tellado, has reiterated calls for an emergency declaration in the autonomous city, emphasizing that it is a matter of national security. The current situation revives discussions about the management of irregular entries, reminiscent of the significant migration crisis in May 2021, which was also triggered by deteriorating relations between Spain and Morocco.
The El Tarajal breakwater is again the focal point of massive entries into Ceuta, similar to the events during the May 2021 crisis, during which a relaxation in border control permitted the entry of thousands. Between May 17 and 21, 2021, Ceuta faced one of its largest migration crises in recent history, with around 10,000 migrants, including approximately 1,500 minors, arriving within days.
The Canary Islands' government has expressed solidarity with Ceuta, emphasizing that aid for areas facing migration pressure should not rely on the governing party. They call for a European policy that balances humanity, security, and shared responsibility, insisting that no border territory should tackle a migration phenomenon of this scale alone.
The Spanish government is working with Morocco and international organizations to implement necessary measures to restore normalcy in Ceuta as soon as possible. Minister Grande-Marlaska continues to communicate with his Moroccan counterpart to coordinate responses to the crisis, with both governments acknowledging the involvement of criminal organizations in facilitating illegal crossings, which have reportedly intensified following the Supreme Court ruling on hot returns.
As the situation develops, it is clear that the mass entry of immigrants into Ceuta poses significant challenges that require immediate attention and coordinated responses from both local and national authorities.
As reported by vozpopuli.com.
