Ceuta, a Spanish territory bordering Morocco, is grappling with the aftermath of a surge that saw an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants arrive in the span of two days, overwhelming the city's population and triggering significant political and social debate.
By Sunday, most of the arrivals, predominantly young men, had returned to Morocco, while others attempted to remain in the Spanish exclave. Spanish coast guard vessels continued to patrol the waters, searching for bodies of migrants who died during the perilous crossing. Authorities reported at least 72 migrant deaths, including those who drowned and others who perished in a stampede near a breakwater.
The influx, which more than doubled Ceuta's population of 84,000, has reignited discussions about immigration policies and border control in Europe. Shops and cafes in Ceuta have reopened, and daily life has largely resumed, but the events have left a lasting impact on the city, which prides itself on its multicultural harmony.
Local perspectives on the surge vary, with some attributing blame to authorities for perceived lax border enforcement. "If you open the border, of course everyone comes in, but the young men aren't to blame. The authorities are responsible," said Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a local waiter. Some migrants who returned to Morocco described a border that appeared open, with little intervention from authorities as thousands crossed.
Political Fallout and Counterprotests
The crisis drew attention from far-right politicians and influencers, who visited Ceuta to denounce the migrant arrivals. Alvise Pérez, a member of the European Parliament, called for the expulsion of migrants, facing a counterprotest from residents, including members of the city's large Muslim population. Pérez eventually had to be escorted away by police.
Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, visited Ceuta on Sunday, labeling the arrivals an "invasion" and criticizing the Spanish government's handling of the border. "The frontiers of Ceuta and Melilla are the walls of our home and homeland, and they are not being protected by a corrupt and traitorous government," Abascal stated.
Counterprotesters, like 20-year-old student Noor Ahmed, condemned the presence of figures like Pérez, calling their actions opportunistic. "They just want to take advantage of the humanitarian crisis Ceuta is currently experiencing," she said.
Some residents expressed concerns about the city's social fabric. Eva Barrientos, a Ceuta resident, questioned the loyalty of some foreign-born residents to Spain. "In Ceuta, we have always lived together. We have four cultures living very well, without any problems," she said. "But the only thing we are realizing now is that there is an enemy within."
Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the situation, calling for "solutions of peace, stability and justice." Migration has been a significant focus for the Pope, particularly in the context of Europe's main migrant entry points.