Tensions remain high in Ceuta five days after a mass influx of more than 60,000 migrants crossed the border into Spain by swimming. The city has effectively split into two parts: one where police presence has created an illusion of calm, allowing tourists to return to areas once overrun by migrants, and another where the military keeps migrants away from these zones through informal exclusion measures. According to government estimates, around 2,500 people remain in Ceuta after having crossed the border illegally in recent days. The situation escalated rapidly, with thousands arriving within hours, overwhelming local authorities and creating a crisis that has drawn criticism from both the police and the military. Officials have pointed fingers at the central government, particularly at Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who claimed there were no intelligence reports suggesting such a large-scale migration would occur. This assertion contradicts statements made by representatives of the National Police and the Guardia Civil, who argue they had been warned about the potential for a surge in illegal crossings. Grande-Marlaska defended his position during a press conference, stating that if there had been any indication of a possible mass migration, there would have been an official warning to higher authorities. He questioned the effectiveness of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), which operates under the Ministry of Defense, for failing to anticipate the movement of migrants along the Spanish-Moroccan border. Despite this critique, he expressed confidence in the CNI's work and emphasized that not all unexpected events necessarily imply responsibility. Interior Minister Margarita Robles, who oversees the CNI, avoided direct confrontation over the issue, stating she did not wish to contribute to unnecessary disputes. However, she acknowledged the exceptional efforts of all intelligence departments, including those under Marlaska’s jurisdiction. Both the ministries of Defense and Interior have engaged in mutual deflection, avoiding explicit blame while acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the crisis and the lack of prior information. Grande-Marlaska admitted that his department was aware of increased irregular entries during summer months and anticipated a rise due to a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited hot returns for individuals who reached Spanish shores by swimming without crossing any containment structures. Prior to the migrant influx, discussions had taken place regarding the installation of a pneumatic barrier followed by a second one composed of buoys, as mandated by the court decision. These measures aimed to prevent precisely what occurred three weeks later, though they were deployed too late to stop the surge. On July 31, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta following an incident he described as an attack on Spain’s integrity. During his visit, he announced plans to establish a physical maritime boundary between Ceuta and Morocco. Within 24 hours, a 500-meter inflatable structure, approximately 30 to 70 centimeters tall with a submerged section up to one meter deep, was deployed. Marlaska confirmed that preparations for this floating wall had already begun before the mass arrival of migrants, yet he conceded that the implementation came too late to prevent the crisis. Authorities continue to manage the aftermath, focusing on restoring order and addressing the challenges posed by the sudden increase in population. The deployment of additional security forces and the establishment of temporary shelters have become priorities as officials work to stabilize the situation in Ceuta.
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