Spain Installs Sea Barrier at Ceuta-Morocco Border amid Migrant Crisis

Spain Reinforces Ceuta Border

Spain is stepping up security measures by implementing a 500-meter-long containment barrier along the sea border between Ceuta and Morocco. This action comes after a significant breach by migrants, estimated between 50,000 to 60,000 individuals earlier in the week.

The death toll linked to this incident has risen to 67, including casualties from drowning and a stampede. Ceuta authorities reported 86 deaths in total.

Prime Minister’s Criticism

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized responses from some EU leaders regarding the situation. He condemned calls to suspend Spain from the EU’s Schengen zone, attributing them to prejudice, misinformation, and political motives.

Security Measures at Tarajal Beach

Exhausted migrants reached Ceuta’s Tarajal beach, where soldiers escorted them back to Morocco. Spain’s Interior Ministry claims most migrants have returned to Morocco.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized Spain’s firm stance against illegal actions, defending relations with Morocco as cooperative and non-threatening.

To bolster security, Spanish Guardia Civil deployed a pneumatic barrier near the border, following illegal crossings.

EU Coordination Calls

22 EU leaders have called for coordinated action regarding the Ceuta situation. They requested an extraordinary videoconference of EU interior ministers, spearheaded by the Danish prime minister’s office.

The letter emphasizes the importance of preventing uncontrolled crossings, and potential illegal stay perceptions, affecting the EU’s migration policy.

Sánchez sought a ministerial videoconference to establish collective responses and reinforce external border security as a shared EU responsibility.

Return of Migrants to Morocco

Several migrants are returning to Morocco, citing poor conditions and treatment in Ceuta. They described hardships like lack of food and shelter.

Moroccan authorities observed the return of migrants through breaches in the border fence.

Reports indicate migrants faced challenging conditions, with visible injuries and accounts of police aggression.

Migrants expressed frustration over their lack of resources, recounting experiences of hunger and difficulty finding shelter.

Impact on Local Areas

Ceuta’s President Juan Jesús Vivas noted disrupted life in the city due to the incident, stressing the importance of the ongoing return process.

The Moroccan city of Tangier, near Ceuta, witnessed activity related to the border events, with travelers returning from the crossing.

Migrants shared stories of unsuccessful crossing attempts and hardships faced during their wait near the border.

Some migrants remain determined to stay in Ceuta, despite difficulties in obtaining necessities.