As the migrant crisis escalates in Ceuta, Morocco has asserted that the surge in irregular arrivals is orchestrated by criminal networks, emphasizing its "exemplary" cooperation with Spain in combating illegal immigration. Diplomatic sources from the Moroccan embassy in Spain, contacted by the news agency Europa Press, highlighted that the recent influx of migrants into the occupied enclave does not reflect any intention on the part of Moroccan authorities to promote irregular immigration. They suggest that the movements are primarily a consequence of exploitation by criminal organizations specializing in human trafficking.
The diplomatic sources reiterated that Morocco does not endorse or encourage the irregular migration of its citizens, stating, "It is the criminal organizations that take advantage of the vulnerabilities of these individuals, fostering false hopes and exposing them to serious risks to their lives and integrity." This perspective has gained traction following a recent ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court regarding the procedures for the expulsion of individuals intercepted at sea.
Humanitarian and Social Emergency
In recent days, the occupied enclave has been facing a significant migration crisis, with local authorities reporting that over 1,500 individuals have arrived by sea. They described the situation as an "absolute humanitarian and social emergency." The region's president, Juan Vivas, stated that "the reception centers are overwhelmed and saturated; there is no room for anyone." With all 512 available spaces at the Temporary Stay Center for Immigrants (CETI) filled, the access road has turned into an improvised campsite for hundreds of migrants, primarily from Morocco and Algeria.
This morning, the situation evolved further when hundreds of migrants, intercepted after swimming to the enclave, managed to evade the Civil Guard’s control measures and dispersed across various neighborhoods in the city. Videos of this incident quickly went viral, showing the chaotic scenes as migrants gathered near the Tarajal border post, close to the barrier separating Ceuta from Morocco, where the Civil Guard was identifying them. Around 11 AM, several hundred migrants allegedly coordinated their escape, breaching the security measures and fleeing.
Government Response to the Crisis
In light of the escalating crisis, all representatives of the municipal groups in the Ceuta Parliament convened an extraordinary and urgent meeting on Thursday. They called on the Spanish government to close the Tarajal border post between the enclave and Morocco, enhance security forces, deploy the army, and declare a national state of emergency under national security legislation. In response, Madrid's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced that he would visit the occupied enclave this Friday to monitor the situation's progression.
As reported by h24info.ma.
