Strong tensions in Ceuta / Residents try to block food supplies for migrants and burn tents

The migration crisis has significantly worsened the situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where clashes between residents, migrants and authorities have reached troubling proportions.

Over the past two days, a group of residents has sought to block the daily distribution of food to migrants at El Trampolín beach. The protests have been accompanied by violence, while several tents set up for migrants have been set on fire.

Police intervened to prevent direct clashes between the protesters and migrants. Volunteers from the Red Cross have also expressed concern; they have been overseeing food distribution for several days and fear for their safety.

The problems began at the end of July, after around 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Spanish authorities say that more than 90% of them have been returned, while a considerable number have remained in the enclave, making the management of the crisis more difficult.

The distribution of approximately 4,000 food portions every day had so far helped maintain calm. Authorities warn that suspending the service could worsen the situation and increase the number of incidents in the city.

The escalation in Ceuta has also deepened political clashes between the Socialist government and the People’s Party (PP), which has dominated politics in the city for around 25 years. Criticism of the government has also intensified from the right-wing Vox party.

Angel Víctor Torres, head of the crisis coordination mechanism, called on all sides to condemn acts of violence and work toward restoring calm.

“No one can attack Ceuta’s Muslim residents, just as no one can be attacked for being a migrant,” Torres said. He also condemned threats against Red Cross volunteers and attacks on journalists.

The opposition, meanwhile, has called for order to be restored and accused the government of weakness toward Morocco. PP Senator and spokesperson Cristina Díaz said that attacks by migrants against a group of soldiers must also be condemned.

The visit of former Prime Minister José María Aznar to Ceuta further intensified the political clashes. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños criticized him, noting that Aznar had not made a single official visit to the city during his term as prime minister.

The government is seeking new facilities to house migrants

Spanish authorities are considering finding additional accommodation spaces in order to speed up the registration and identification of migrants who continue to remain in Ceuta.

Last week, places were sought for around 1,800 people, but the necessary capacity is expected to be even greater.

The coordination mechanism is expected to meet again on Friday, this time under the leadership of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The meeting will focus on managing the crisis and creating new spaces to house migrants.

Torres said he was unable to set a precise timetable for a return to normality.

“Normality will return, but I cannot say when,” he said.

The Spanish government is also closely monitoring the spread of hate messages on social media. According to the government, these messages are encouraging attacks against migrants and further complicating the management of the crisis.

Officials recall that the response was different during the 2021 crisis, when around 10,000 people crossed into Ceuta. Most of the migrants were quickly accommodated in indoor facilities, while some of them, particularly minors, were transferred to mainland Spain.

The PP, and Vox in particular, categorically oppose this solution. Regional representatives of Vox did not attend a meeting with the Ministry of Youth and Children, where possible transfers and €25 million in funding were to be discussed.

As the situation in Ceuta continues to grow tense, authorities must simultaneously deal with the presence of migrants in the city and the growing anger of part of the community.