Hundreds of migrants who recently arrived in Ceuta, a North African enclave of Spain, organized a demonstration on a popular urban beach to request asylum from Spanish authorities instead of being returned to Morocco. These individuals are part of the 5,000 to 8,000 migrants who are still in Ceuta following a large-scale border crossing two weeks ago, where over 72,000 people entered the territory, with the majority voluntarily leaving soon after.
Due to the strain on the city’s resources, most migrants are living in poor conditions on El Trampolin beach or on the outskirts of the city while waiting for an opportunity to travel to mainland Europe. Ayoub Elarroud from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the challenges they are facing, including sleeping near the sea in harsh conditions and being restricted by the police from accessing the city center.
During the protest, migrants displayed Spanish flags and signs with messages such as “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human.” They chanted slogans like “We’re tired” and “We need a solution.” Some migrants were seen washing clothes and fishing on the rocky shores behind them.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated earlier that irregular migrants would not be permitted to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Ceuta’s health services are under significant strain, with reports of diseases spreading and an increase in violence-related injuries.
Despite the challenges, Health Minister Monica Garcia denied claims that local health services had collapsed but acknowledged the pressure they are facing. Many Moroccan migrants interviewed cited poor working conditions in their country as the reason for seeking a better life in Europe. Some shared their struggles and reasons for embarking on perilous journeys to reach Ceuta, highlighting the difficult circumstances they are fleeing from in their home countries.