Ceuta Prepares for a New Wave of Migrants
As the situation evolves, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has activated preventive measures in anticipation of a significant influx of migrants into the autonomous city of Ceuta. This expected surge, set to occur on September 23, was flagged by intelligence services from both Spain and Morocco, signaling a coordinated effort from migrant populations to cross the border. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares acknowledged that calls for organized entry into the city are resonating within the Moroccan populace, reminiscent of the crisis witnessed in late July when over 72,000 individuals crossed the border, marking one of the most severe migration crises in the region's history.
Albares further emphasized that illegally entering Ceuta and Melilla does not grant any rights to migrate to mainland Europe nor the right to remain indefinitely in Spain. To deter potential influxes, the government has developed a robust dissuasive strategy that could be deployed to prevent overwhelming waves of migrants. According to Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister for Territorial Policy and the designated authority for managing the Ceuta crisis, approximately 3,000 migrants are still living on the streets of Ceuta. He expressed hopes that, within a few weeks, all of these individuals would be relocated and that procedures for their return would commence. Only those with valid claims for international protection or unaccompanied minors will be allowed to stay in Spain.
Additionally, Minister for Childhood and Youth Sira Rego disclosed that there are currently between 500 and 700 unaccompanied minors on the streets of Ceuta, many of whom wish to remain in Spain. "We have protective regulations in place that ensure their voices are heard and their rights are safeguarded, especially for children fleeing from violence. It is our societal obligation to protect them," she stated. In a related development, Spanish authorities announced the arrest of an individual following a violent attack on Julia Ferreras, a leftist deputy from the Ceuta Ya party. The assault occurred when a mob mistakenly identified her and her entourage as members of a Basque NGO, Negu Gorriak (Right to Shelter), which had come to aid migrants. President Sánchez condemned the violent act, underscoring that violence is never a solution and that society must stand firm against the normalization of hatred.
As reported by jornada.com.mx.
