Spaniards rally in 260 cities over Ceuta migrant crisis
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards protested in 260 cities on Wednesday over the government's handling of the Ceuta migrant influx. Demonstrators demanded Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez resign and called for urgent measures to address the crisis. The rallies came after a police report said Moroccan security forces showed "total permissiveness" during the crossings.
Key Facts
- At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, according to BBC reporting.
- As many as 5,000 migrants remain in makeshift camps or scattered across Ceuta's streets and beach.
- More than 50,000 people gathered at the Madrid rally, according to government figures.
- Protests took place in 260 Spanish cities on Wednesday, 2 September, organized by the federation of Spanish municipalities.
- A police report submitted to the National Court said the Moroccan police deployment around the border was "clearly smaller than usual" and cited migrants who spoke of a "passive attitude" during the crossings.
Nationwide Protests
Demonstrations were held in 260 Spanish cities on Wednesday, 2 September, organized by the federation of Spanish municipalities. In Madrid, three simultaneous rallies took place because no single square could accommodate all participants. More than 50,000 people gathered at the Madrid rally, according to government figures. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo attended the Madrid protest and said a Spanish city had been "invaded, occupied" with the knowledge of the government. Vox leader Santiago Abascal said Sánchez was "at the service, like a lackey, of the Moroccan regime".
Ceuta Unrest
A major rally also took place in Ceuta itself, with participants chanting "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta must be defended". Teacher David Hernandez told Reuters the government's response was "inadequate, late" and involved "a complete dereliction of duty". Spanish police told DW that the situation in Ceuta is characterized by robberies, attacks on municipal buildings, clashes between migrants and police and locals, and violence against women. Residents are afraid to go out, shops are closed, and the start of the school year is in question due to fears that children could become victims of rapists, police said.
Police Report
A report by the National Police's National Immigration and Borders Centre (CENIF) submitted to the National Court pointed to the involvement of Moroccan gendarmes in the migrant crossings. The report claimed the Moroccan police deployment around the border "was clearly smaller than usual" and cited migrants who spoke of a "passive attitude" as the crossings happened. The report did not categorically accuse Morocco of being behind the influx.
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