Residents Clash with Moroccan Immigrants in Ceuta

The migration crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous region bordering North Africa, is becoming increasingly alarming. The situation on the ground has escalated, triggering waves of physical clashes between local residents and illegal Moroccan immigrants.

This escalation of tension has been captured in numerous videos circulating on social media and reports from local Spanish media. Spanish blogger David Santos shared footage on the X platform showing pursuits through the streets between residents and groups of immigrants. Santos revealed that Moroccan descendants who have long resided in the El Príncipe area even took to the streets to expel migrants attempting to enter Ceuta illegally.

Local media outlet Ceuta Actualidad reported that residents have begun organising themselves through a WhatsApp group named ‘Viva España’, which has rapidly grown to over 800 members. Some group members have reportedly proposed ‘sweeping’ actions and attacking migrants with sticks.

Dris Mohamed, President of the Andalusian Party, confirmed the prevalence of such violence during an interview with Cadena SER radio. He stated that groups of local youths were caught attacking migrants who had just crossed the Ceuta border. While Mohamed strongly condemned this vigilantism, he admitted to understanding the deep anxiety and unrest felt by local residents due to the influx of migrants.

The high level of tension in residential areas has forced business owners and shops in Ceuta to temporarily close for safety reasons. To prevent widespread looting, theft, and mass rioting, the Spanish National Police and local police forces have been deployed to various high-risk areas.

The emergency situation in this Spanish enclave is unprecedented. The Mayor of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, confirmed that within the last 24 hours, approximately 60,000 Moroccans are estimated to have breached the Ceuta territory. This mass crossing attempt has also resulted in significant loss of life; according to the prominent Spanish daily El País, the number of migrants who died by drowning or in accidents while attempting to cross to Ceuta has reached 57.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that the immigrants in Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the breach as a violation of territory. Amidst claims from some migrants that Moroccan police facilitated their entry, Spain and Morocco are strengthening coordination for the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants following the surge in migration flows in the North African autonomous region.