Pilar Alba, volunteer in Ceuta: The left is echoing the speeches of the extreme right

In the early hours of Friday, 18 additional bodies were laid to rest in Ceuta’s Muslim cemetery, adding to the growing list of unidentified migrants who have died while attempting to cross into Spain from Morocco. These individuals, whose deaths occurred on July 30, were buried under numbers ranging from 5412 to 5430, continuing the grim tally of anonymous graves in the city's hillside cemetery near the neighborhood of Sidi Embarek. The burial process was carried out with solemnity, involving volunteers, officials, and local residents, reflecting both the gravity of the situation and the community’s response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The operation began shortly after 6 a.m., with five volunteers already waiting at the site, having prepared a strip of land approximately 20 meters wide and two meters long. This space was used to lay to rest the remains of migrants whose bodies had deteriorated beyond recognition, making them unsuitable for continued storage in the morgue. A neighbor nearby shouted through her window, questioning the ownership of a motorcycle and car parked outside the cemetery, while another resident descended in light clothing, seemingly indifferent to the proceedings. Eventually, the vehicle owners retrieved their belongings, allowing the funeral procession to proceed. A hearse arrived later, followed by the regional minister Nabila Benzina and the deputy, Navil Rahal, along with a motorbike driven by a young, skilled rider carrying stretchers for the deceased. By around 5:20 p.m., the first remains arrived. One of the handlers opened the trunk, identifying the location of limbs, while others carried the bodies, each wrapped in disposable suits, masks, and gas masks, across the ground. The humid, sweltering air added to the weight of the moment. After the initial prayers, the group gathered around an iron magnet, chanting “Allahu Akbar,” before placing the first four bodies into their designated plots. They sprinkled white chemical powder over each grave, then placed thin, elongated bricks to seal the tomb. Finally, they would cover the graves with earth and engrave the number on white stone. The process repeated itself until all 18 bodies were interred. Among the hundreds of migrant corpses stored in the morgue, only six have been identified, with one more being checked but found to have died in the University Hospital. None have been returned to Morocco due to the Moroccan government’s refusal to accept the bodies, leaving the cycle likely to continue. Three weeks after the influx of nearly 80,000 migrants into Ceuta via the border crossing of El Tarajal, the political and humanitarian crises persist. President Pedro Sánchez described the entry as a violation of Spanish territory, yet the situation has evolved into a complex web of challenges, including tensions with European partners, questions about Morocco’s role, and the involvement of U.S. and Israeli interests. The most pressing issue remains the humanitarian emergency, as thousands remain stranded in Ceuta without access to water, food, sanitation, or shelter. On August 12, Minister Elma Saiz announced the installation of new temporary facilities with up to 1,800 beds, though the actual need far exceeds this capacity. The lack of coordination between national and local authorities has created an unsustainable scenario in a small area of just 20 square kilometers. Government officials acknowledge the complexity of managing such a large influx, emphasizing the importance of respecting the law and the rights of migrants, particularly minors. The government has divided the remaining migrants into two groups: minors, mostly Moroccan-born, and adults. While the goal of returning children to Morocco aligns with local and conservative demands, many children refuse to return, citing family separation and lack of support. Officials argue that these children must be protected under international law, even if their families do not seek them back. However, the Moroccan government’s reluctance to take responsibility for these children further complicates the situation. Critics accuse the current administration of delayed action, noting that the first steps were taken only 21 days after the crisis began. Some political parties, notably the Popular Party (PP) and Vox, have called for mass deportation, which officials describe as irresponsible and illegal. The lack of clear policy and the absence of a unified strategy have led to confusion among migrants, many of whom remain in the streets, hoping for better conditions. Meanwhile, efforts to relocate 500 vulnerable girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain have begun, supported by volunteers and local organizations. These women, often victims of violence, have received protection from community members and medical staff. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with many still living in makeshift camps, lacking basic necessities. Authorities continue to expand temporary accommodations, preparing three additional sites: a football field, an old guano factory, and a horse farm. These spaces aim to alleviate the overcrowding in existing shelters. At the same time, the National Police have dismantled two trafficking networks operating between Ceuta and Cádiz, arresting five individuals suspected of organizing illegal migration routes using small boats. These operations highlight the broader challenge of managing the influx while ensuring the safety of migrants. Amidst the crisis, local activists and NGOs report widespread neglect and institutional failure, with many migrants left to rely on community support. Volunteers document the extreme vulnerability of children, especially girls, who face risks of abuse and exploitation. Despite the challenges, some residents and organizations continue to provide aid, though they warn that the lack of state intervention has fueled rising hostility toward migrants, echoing rhetoric from extremist voices. The situation remains unresolved, with the future of those stranded in Ceuta uncertain.