Spanish Prime Minister: Mass crossing into Ceuta constitutes an "attack and violation of Spanish territorial sovereignty"

Madrid, July 31 (KUNA) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the mass influx of migrants into the city of Ceuta on Friday as an “attack and a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity,” pledging to use “all state resources” to protect the city and expedite the return of those who entered irregularly.

Sanchez made these remarks during a visit to Ceuta to assess the developments of the crisis, noting that security measures at the border would be strengthened. He affirmed that Spain stands with the Spanish city, which also forms part of the European Union’s external border. He highlighted “fruitful cooperation with countries of origin and transit,” emphasizing the coordination between Spanish authorities and Rabat to return migrants “as quickly as possible.”

Sanchez blamed human smuggling networks for the crisis, accusing them of “deceiving many young people” and pushing them to undertake dangerous journeys. In light of this, he announced the deployment of floating barriers (buoys) at the maritime border between the Spanish city and the Moroccan border to create a “physical barrier” that would deter crossing attempts and enable authorities to carry out “immediate returns” of migrants who breach it, refusing them entry.

Sanchez’s statements came as the death toll of individuals who drowned while attempting to swim to Ceuta rose to 27, with rescue forces continuing search operations for missing persons in waters near the border. Initial estimates by security forces indicate that approximately 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta irregularly over the past hours, marking the city’s largest migration crisis since 2021. This prompted the government to deploy military units to support police and Civil Guard forces.

For his part, the European Union announced its readiness to provide additional support to Spain, including through the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

The Spanish Supreme Court ruled on July 8 that “immediate return” cannot be applied to migrants who reach Spanish beaches by swimming, as they do not cross a physical border barrier. Instead, they must be subjected to legal procedures, including opening an administrative file for each individual, allowing them access to legal counsel, or granting them the opportunity to seek asylum.

This ruling does not prohibit “return” altogether but obligates authorities to follow the procedures stipulated in the Foreigners’ Law and provide legal guarantees to migrants before returning them to their countries of origin. (End) H.N.D. / M.N.F.