Illegal migrants in Ceuta go into hiding to avoid deportation

Ceuta — Illegal migrants entering the territory of Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous region in North Africa, are reportedly hiding in various locations to avoid being returned to Morocco. According to reports, migrants have been found hiding under bridges, on rooftops, on beaches, in parks, and in drainage systems, among other locations.

Hundreds of migrants are reported to still be present in coastal areas and on streets near the border. They are dispersed in small groups, making it difficult for security forces to locate all the illegal entrants. Although security personnel have been increased, the number of migrants on the streets and in coastal areas is said to far exceed the number of patrols deployed.

Many appear exhausted and are carrying small bags of dry food, with some approaching pedestrians to ask for food and money. Local residents have also begun avoiding the coastal areas around the Tarajal border post due to the ongoing tension.

At the end of July, Ceuta experienced a massive surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco. The Mayor of Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, stated on Friday that approximately 60,000 people entered the territory within a 24-hour period. This crisis triggered riots in several locations across Ceuta, prompting the Spanish government to deploy additional police, Civil Guard, and military personnel to the region.

Ceuta is a Spanish enclave located on the north coast of Africa, bordering directly with Morocco. Along with Melilla, it serves as the only land border between the European Union and Africa and is known as one of the primary routes for illegal migration towards Europe.