Chaos in Ceuta: Thousands of Migrants Still in the City
Spanish authorities continue to search the city for migrants who have not returned to Morocco. Most of those who entered on Thursday have left, but groups remain trying to hide.
On Constitution Square, military personnel escorted Moroccan migrants to Ribera Beach. Some attempted to break away and return to the center, hoping to avoid detection.
The final destination for those escorted along the promenade is Tarajal Beach and the border, where they previously swam to reach. Authorities have set up barriers in the water to prevent new entries.
A chain of soldiers along the promenade marks the route. On the beach, small groups of migrants hide under a stone wall.
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The government claims life is gradually returning to normal. However, according to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the situation has “almost turned back.” Deputy Secretary Juan Bravo Baena confirmed that thousands of migrants still remain in the city.
Journey at the Cost of Life
Many who chose to return to Morocco witnessed the deaths of at least 67 people at sea. This experience, rather than police pressure, influences their decision to go back.
A slow but steady flow of returns coincides with the deployment of maritime barriers and a gradual return to normal life in various areas of the city. The Interior Ministry regularly updates the number of returns, which continues to rise.
Response from Authorities and the US
In Melilla, security forces slowed border crossings after an attempted illegal entry was recorded. This measure temporarily reduced traffic to one lane.
The US State Department raised its travel advisory for Ceuta to level 3, emphasizing that the mass and uncontrolled influx of migrants from Morocco could lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations.
