Ceuta’s Mayor Thanks Morocco for Averting Migrant Crisis, But Warns of Strained Resources
Ceuta, Spain – The mayor of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, expressed his gratitude to Moroccan authorities for their swift action in preventing a large-scale attempt by migrants to enter the city. The incident, which took place Sunday night, saw Moroccan forces successfully intercepting approximately 300 individuals attempting to cross the border.
Vivas praised the Moroccan security forces for their dedication and their close coordination with Spanish border patrol. He emphasized that their intervention prevented a potentially overwhelming situation, as Ceuta’s resources are already stretched thin.
The mayor revealed that the city is currently providing shelter to nearly 500 unaccompanied minors, a number that has skyrocketed from just 150 in January. This influx, coupled with the constant pressure of attempted border crossings, has placed immense strain on the city’s ability to provide adequate care and support.
“We have gone from 150 unaccompanied minors in January to 475 now,” Vivas stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “The collapse of our capacity is evident. It is essential to reiterate our request for help and relief.”
While acknowledging that Ceuta has the capacity to accommodate up to 650 minors, Vivas stressed that this is a temporary solution. He called for a collaborative effort between the city, the Spanish government, and autonomous regions to find a long-term solution to the ongoing migration challenges.
“Ceuta cannot be abandoned,” Vivas urged. “I ask everyone to insist on this and to look for a way to solve it. We all lose by blaming each other.”
The mayor’s comments underscore the complex realities of migration at Europe’s borders. While expressing appreciation for Morocco’s efforts in border control, Vivas’ plea for assistance highlights the need for shared responsibility and sustainable solutions to address the humanitarian aspects of migration.
This incident comes at a time when migration routes to Europe are seeing increased activity. According to the International Organization for Migration, over [Number] migrants have arrived in Europe via sea and land routes in 2024, with the [Specific Route] being one of the most active. This underscores the need for comprehensive migration policies that address both border security and the humanitarian needs of migrants.
