On August 9, an unprecedentedly large protest took place in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta in North Africa. Over 15,000 local residents gathered in Plaza de la Constitución to express strong discontent over the mass illegal immigration incident on July 30, demanding the Spanish central government immediately implement stricter border control measures to ensure local security.
Rare Joint Statement from Religious and Political Groups
The massive rally was initiated by Ceuta’s four main religious communities: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu. Organizers emphasized that the event aimed to convey a spirit of unity that transcends religious divides and political stances. During the rally, attendees observed a minute of silence for the 83 victims who recently died while attempting to cross the sea.
Subsequently, the four religious groups issued a joint statement, pointing out that Ceuta is facing an ‘exceptionally severe crisis.’ They strongly urged the Spanish central government to definitively address long-standing issues such as weak border defenses, insufficient police presence, and a lack of security resources. The President of the Autonomous City of Ceuta, Juan Vivas, along with representatives from several political parties including the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), Ceuta Ya!, and MDyC, attended in support. The Vox party did not participate in the event.
Protesters Surround Government Delegation Office, Demanding Official’s Resignation
After the official rally in Plaza de la Constitución concluded, a large number of protesters spontaneously marched to the Spanish Government Delegation office in Plaza de los Reyes. Some people chanted slogans defending Spanish sovereignty, strongly demanding the repatriation of recent illegal immigrants, and urged the Government Delegate in Ceuta, Miguel Ángel Pérez Trianos, to resign.
The crowd’s mood became highly emotional, with harsh criticism directed at Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska. To prevent the situation from escalating, the National Police urgently deployed riot police and multiple police vehicles, setting up a cordon around the government building. The demonstrators remained in front of the entrance for over half an hour, attempting to speak directly with the government representative, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Police Initiate Multiple Judicial Deportation Proceedings
While facing public pressure, the Spanish National Police confirmed that law enforcement has begun to process individuals who illegally crossed into Ceuta on July 30. To date, police have completed 7 judicial deportation cases. It is understood that the repatriated individuals all had criminal records or were involved in other legal proceedings.
The most recent repatriation took place on August 8 at the Tarajal border crossing. A Moroccan man illegally entered a residence in downtown Ceuta and was discovered lying on a bed by the homeowner. The man attempted to escape through the balcony but was quickly subdued by arriving police. Investigation records show that the man had previously been issued an entry ban by authorities in Valencia, Spain, and was therefore legally deported.
