Spain Sees Mass Protests Over Ceuta Border Crisis

Ceuta, the tiny Spanish territory on Africa’s northern coast, usually marks its annual holiday on September 2 with official ceremonies, music and cultural events. This year, however, the celebrations were overshadowed by Spain’s worst border crisis in decades.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Spain on Wednesday, turning the traditional Ceuta Day into a nationwide protest over the humanitarian and migration crisis engulfing the territory. Demonstrators demanded urgent action and accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government of mishandling the situation.

Authorities estimated that around 50,000 people joined the protest in Madrid, while large demonstrations were also reported in Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Spanish flags filled the streets as protesters chanted slogans including “A united Ceuta will never be defeated,” “Sánchez to prison” and “Invaders — go home,” referring to migrants who remain in the territory.

After the Madrid demonstration ended, an Associated Press journalist reported hearing gunshots and explosions. Spanish newspaper El País said police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds.

Tens of thousands crossed into Ceuta

The crisis erupted in late July when an estimated 72,000 people swam, scrambled or charged across the border from Morocco into Ceuta. At least 90 people reportedly died attempting to reach the Spanish territory and, ultimately, Europe.

Most of those who crossed were quickly returned to Morocco or otherwise moved back across the border. But several weeks later, around 5,000 migrants, including approximately 1,200 minors, were still in Ceuta, according to Spain’s national government. Local authorities have cited a higher number.

The sudden arrival overwhelmed the territory, which has a population of roughly 84,000, placing enormous pressure on housing and social services while fueling anger among residents. Local officials have accused Madrid of failing to respond adequately to warnings ahead of the border breach.

“What happened to us was not a migratory crisis,” Ceuta regional president Juan Jesús Vivas said during an official ceremony marking Ceuta Day. “What happened was the violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.”

Vivas, a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP), has emerged as a prominent critic of the national government. The PP and far-right Vox have seized on the crisis as a major political issue, accusing Sánchez’s left-wing government of losing control of Spain’s borders.

Opposition parties turn crisis into political battle

Wednesday’s demonstrations in Madrid and more than 200 other cities and towns were formally organized by the nonpartisan Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. However, the protests received strong backing from the PP and Vox, which has made opposition to irregular migration a central political issue.

Spain’s territorial policy minister, Ángel Víctor Torres, accused the opposition of using the crisis to attack the government.

“This is not to show support for the city of Ceuta or its residents; it is to attack the government of Spain,” Torres told Spanish National Radio.

The Sánchez government has rejected accusations that it abandoned Ceuta. This week, Madrid allocated €309 million ($357 million) to support the territory, including funding for social services, migrant housing, economic assistance and security.

Sánchez alleges foreign disinformation

Questions have also been raised over whether Morocco could have done more to prevent the mass crossing.

Sánchez has repeatedly defended Morocco’s response, saying Moroccan authorities acted quickly to facilitate the return of most migrants. He has also claimed that disinformation and online activity contributed to the border rush.

Speaking to Cadena SER radio on Monday, Sánchez said there was no intelligence indicating that Moroccan authorities had deliberately facilitated the influx. He argued that a misunderstanding surrounding a Spanish Supreme Court ruling, combined with social media disinformation, helped trigger the mass movement.

The prime minister has additionally accused social media accounts linked to Russia and Israel, as well as right-wing groups, of exploiting and amplifying the crisis after the border breach on July 30 and 31. Both Russia and Israel have rejected the allegations.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the accusations, saying there was “nothing to talk about” without evidence supported by facts, figures, dates and names.

The Spanish government has not publicly produced specific examples of Russian or Israeli disinformation campaigns, instead pointing to internal reports from its Foreign Affairs Ministry and the European Commission’s diplomatic service.

Migrants remain stranded as Ceuta struggles to recover

Despite efforts to provide shelter, register migrants and return those eligible to Morocco, the situation in Ceuta remains unsettled. Some migrants, including unaccompanied minors, are still sleeping outdoors or camping on beaches.

“We’re suffering and we want to get to Europe or find a solution right now,” Moroccan migrant Nebil Tazi told The Associated Press. “Here, we’re all sleeping on the beach and having a really hard time.”

Vivas has called for the territory to return to “normality” while promising to continue seeking answers about what triggered the unprecedented border crisis.

He has also urged Madrid to reinforce the border with Morocco and reduce its reliance on cooperation with Rabat.

“If we don’t do this, there will always be someone tempted to use migration as a tool for political ends,” Vivas said.

In a video message released Wednesday, Sánchez said his government was deploying all available resources to help Ceuta recover and allow residents to return to normal life.

Ceuta Day commemorates September 2, 1415, when Portuguese forces claimed the territory and the first Portuguese governor arrived several weeks later. Ceuta became part of Spain in 1580.

Instead of the usual festivities, this year’s anniversary became a symbol of the deep political, humanitarian and security tensions surrounding Spain’s border with Africa.