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Large influx of migrants into Ceuta triggers "humanitarian and social emergency"
The city of Ceuta witnessed a large influx of migrants coming from Morocco, with many crossing by swimming from the Tarajal area and other attempts recorded to enter via the border fence. Civil Guard, emergency and rescue teams focused their efforts on treating the injured and providing immediate assistance, amid heavy pressure on reception centers and shelter resources in the city.
Ceuta's regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas Lara, described the situation as a "humanitarian and social emergency" and called on the Spanish government to declare a "national state of emergency" to allow a broader response. The Spanish Interior Ministry, however, said current law does not permit declaring a national state of emergency over a migration crisis of this kind, noting that migrant flows are not included among the cases specified in the Civil Protection Act.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government is "fully engaged in providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta," adding that it is mobilizing all necessary resources, coordinating with Moroccan and international authorities, and taking the measures needed to "restore normality as soon as possible." He said the current phase requires "solutions based on responsibility and cooperation."
