Morocco’s security forces have thwarted another attempt by hundreds of migrants to cross into Ceuta illegally this Saturday, according to Moroccan authorities cited by Spanish media. The operation took place near the border town of Castillejos, with security personnel deployed in greater numbers than usual around the frontier. Despite the heightened presence, the situation remained calm in El Tarajal, one of Ceuta's main districts. Meanwhile, Melilla has also seen increased police activity, though no incidents have been reported there. The Moroccan authorities have reinforced both sides of the border in response to social media calls for a new mass entry of migrants into Ceuta. This comes two weeks after more than 70,000 individuals entered the city from Morocco, leaving it still struggling to return to normalcy. Ceuta continues to host approximately 5,000 undocumented migrants, many of whom remain in the streets due to the city’s inability to provide them with shelter or legal status. In a separate development, the leader of the regional government in Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called for a plan to repatriate the undocumented migrants, stating that the city “is getting worse each day.” His remarks followed a meeting with Spain’s minister of interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Vivas emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to address the growing humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by the influx of migrants. Meanwhile, the Spanish opposition party, the People’s Party (PP), has taken a firm stance on the issue, urging the European Union to recognize Morocco as a “safe country” to justify the refusal to grant asylum to those who arrived in Ceuta irregularly. According to the PP, all individuals who entered Spain without authorization should be returned to Morocco, arguing that there is no alternative. This position aligns with the current government’s approach, although the PP maintains that the process can be applied to all migrants, including minors, who could return with their families or under diplomatic arrangements. The PP has also pointed to a decision made by the European Parliament, which classified Morocco as a “safe country” for its nationals. Under EU regulations, this designation allows for expedited processing of asylum applications from Moroccan citizens. However, the PP argues that this does not mean such applications should be accepted, and instead, they should be denied so that the migrants can be repatriated. The party claims that the current system allows some migrants to stay in Spain while their applications are processed, thereby delaying the repatriation efforts. The PP further asserts that there are bilateral agreements between Spain and Morocco that facilitate the return of minors, either with their families or through other mechanisms. These agreements, signed in 2007, allow for the legal and diplomatic repatriation of children. However, Spanish law takes precedence over these agreements, as confirmed by a Supreme Court ruling in 2024. Before any child is returned, a thorough procedure must be followed, involving consultations with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and child protection services. This legal framework means that many minors may ultimately remain in Spain despite the PP’s demands. The situation highlights the complex interplay between national laws, international agreements, and the practical realities of managing large-scale migration flows. As the political discourse intensifies, the focus remains on finding solutions that balance humanitarian concerns with the need to control borders effectively.
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