Migrant Crisis in Ceuta Sparks Political Accusations and Military Deployment
A wave of migrants attempting to reach the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta on the North African coast has triggered political controversy and a military response, as officials grapple with the scale of the influx. Reports indicate that thousands have entered the enclave, though exact figures remain uncertain.
Spanish authorities have deployed troops to Ceuta to help maintain security amid the crisis, according to reports from the Russian state news agency TASS. The deployment comes as local officials estimate the number of arrivals could be as high as 60,000, a figure that would represent about 70% of Ceuta's population. Ceuta's mayor-president, Juan Jesus Vivas, was quoted by TASS as saying, "According to our estimates, around 60,000 people, or 70% of Ceuta's population, have arrived in our city as a result of this incident."
However, other reports suggest a more modest but still substantial number. TASS also cited Spanish media reports indicating that over 1,500 migrants have reached Ceuta by swimming from Morocco over the past week, while others crossed on foot. The exact number of arrivals has not yet been confirmed, according to the same source.
The crisis has drawn political reactions both domestically and internationally. Argentina's President Javier Milei, in an interview with LN+ television, accused Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of using immigration for political gain. Milei was quoted as saying, "In Spain's case, Sánchez uses those immigrants to grant them nationality so they vote for him and, let's say, perpetuate his tyranny." He did not present evidence for this claim. Milei had previously commented on the situation on social media, criticizing what he described as "socialism."
In contrast, Sánchez has attributed the influx to criminal networks. According to TASS, Sánchez blamed "mafia groups involved in human trafficking" for exploiting a Supreme Court ruling related to the deportation of illegal migrants. These criminals "are deceiving many young people," he said, as cited on the Spanish government's website. The ruling, which determined that the law on foreigners cannot be applied to immediately deport migrants detained at sea, may have triggered the current crisis, according to the RTVE broadcaster. This court decision has been widely shared on Moroccan social networks, TASS reported.
Russian Presidential Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev also weighed in, drawing a historical parallel. TASS reported that Dmitriev compared the influx of migrants to the fall of Rome under the barbarian invasion in AD 410, posting on X: "Barbarians at the Gate: 410 AD vs Now." He accompanied the post with a painting and a photograph from Ceuta.
The human toll of the crisis remains a point of contention. Spanish authorities reported at least 72 deaths while attempting to cross from Morocco, according to the Buenos Aires Times. However, TASS cited reports of at least 34 deaths. The discrepancy in figures underscores the chaotic nature of the situation.
According to Spanish authorities, most of the roughly 60,000 people who entered Ceuta have since returned to Morocco, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times. Sánchez said the migrant influx constitutes a violation of Spain's territorial integrity, TASS reported.
The situation in Ceuta highlights the ongoing challenges faced by southern European countries in managing migration flows, as well as the political sensitivities surrounding the issue.