Ceuta, Spain, recently shifted from a tense atmosphere to a semblance of normalcy, yet its residents remain unsettled by recent events. Most of the 60,000 migrants who entered the Spanish exclave of Ceuta have returned to Morocco, but some linger in the hills around the city. Spanish civil guard ships continue to search for bodies near the urban beach where the migrants initially breached. Shops in Ceuta have reopened, and the usual mix of residents and tourists are back in the city’s restaurants and cafes.
The city, which prides itself on its cultural diversity, is struggling with the aftermath of the border surge. Residents have differing opinions on the causes and responsibility for the events. The sudden influx of people has reignited debates on immigration in Europe. At least 72 migrants died, some drowned while others were killed in a stampede. Spanish authorities reported the humanitarian crisis on Sunday.
According to Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a 44-year-old waiter, the blame does not lie with young migrants. He believes that if borders are left open, people will naturally enter, and authorities should be held accountable. Some migrants who returned to Morocco described a border that seemed open, with authorities making little effort to stop the crossings. Reports indicate 50,000 to 60,000 unauthorized arrivals swelled Ceuta’s population by over half. Abdelkader noted that the situation could have been worse.
Over the weekend, far-right Spanish politicians visited the city, calling for the expulsion of remaining migrants. This led to counterprotests, notably involving Ceuta’s large Muslim community, many of Moroccan descent. Alvise Pérez, a far-right politician and European Parliament member, demanded migrant expulsions, facing resistance from rival protesters and needing police intervention.
Twenty-year-old student Noor Ahmed criticized the presence of figures like Pérez, accusing them of exploiting the humanitarian crisis. She emphasized that their actions were opportunistic. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, visited the city on Sunday, criticizing the Spanish government’s handling of the migrant surge and labeling it as an invasion. Abascal argued that the borders of Ceuta and Melilla are key to national security and accused the government of betrayal.
Ceuta’s tradition of cultural tolerance is under strain. Residents acknowledge the mix of Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus living peacefully in the city. However, some residents, like Eva Barrientos, express concerns about loyalty among foreign-born citizens. Barrientos believes Ceuta has always been harmonious but worries about potential internal threats.
Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about the situation and called for resolutions focused on peace, stability, and justice. The Pope has prioritized migration issues, highlighted during a recent visit to the Canary Islands, a major entry point for migrants in Europe.
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