Thousands rally in Ceuta demanding urgent action as migration crisis deepens

Thousands gathered in Ceuta on Sunday for a major demonstration demanding urgent action to address the city's escalating migration crisis. The rally, organized by the city's four main religious communities – Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu – called for stronger support from Spain's central government and emphasized unity under the slogan 'Enough is enough.

Ceuta will not surrender'. Organisers estimated over 10,000 people attended, while Spain's National Police reported about 5,000 participants. Ceuta's autonomous government aimed to send a message of unity and coexistence during a sensitive period following a surge in illegal crossings from Morocco on July 30th. The city's President, Juan Jesús Vivas, called the situation unsustainable and urged solidarity from Spain, emphasizing that Ceuta would not surrender and needed assistance to resolve the crisis.

The demonstration also reflected public frustration with the central government, with some protesters chanting for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's resignation. Trade unions backed the demonstration, but stressed the need for institutional solutions. The crisis, linked to over 72,000 illegal entries and 141 migrant deaths, has prompted Spain to install a sea barrier and EU backing.