Spain’s migration minister faces protests during Ceuta visit
Spain’s Migration Minister Elma Saiz faced protests in Ceuta as the government announced 1,500 additional temporary reception places following mass crossings from Morocco in late July.
Footage shows police blocking protesters as Saiz arrived at Ceuta City Hall, with demonstrators chanting and accusing the government of failing to support the city. Protesters said migrants were still sleeping in public areas, including beaches and hills, while criticising Madrid’s response to the situation. The government has said additional reception capacity is being provided as authorities continue to assess the needs of migrants and the city.
The scale of the late-July crossings remains disputed, with estimates ranging from around 40,000 according to Moroccan authorities to 72,000 in a later Spanish estimate. There is no established evidence that Morocco deliberately organised the crossings, while reports have pointed to online rumours and misinformation encouraging people to head towards the border. Moroccan authorities have since strengthened security around Ceuta, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired another government coordination meeting on Monday to review security measures, migrant identification and assistance.
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