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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened the National Security Council on Tuesday to coordinate the government's response to the ongoing migrant crisis in Ceuta, almost four weeks after tens of thousands crossed from Morocco. The meeting occurred before the first Cabinet session following the summer break, signaling a significant escalation in the central government's reaction to the crisis. The situation has strained Ceuta's public services, security forces, and local economy.

The government plans to declare the crisis of national security interest, allowing greater coordination of state resources to restore normalcy in the autonomous city. Measures include creating a single command structure, providing additional health resources and vaccines, reinforcing courts, and expanding the city's socioeconomic development plan. Spain has also requested emergency financial assistance from the European Commission.

The crisis began on July 30 and 31 when massive numbers of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco. Spain's Interior Ministry estimates around 72,000 people crossed in those two days, though other officials claim the figure is much higher. Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, reported that over 8,000 migrants remain in the city.

The conflicting numbers highlight the challenges authorities face in accurately estimating the scale of the influx. Ceuta has been far from returning to normal 25 days after the crisis started, according to the city's mayor. Over 100 people reportedly died during the crisis, and thousands initially lacked proper shelter, food, and water. Emergency tented accommodations and sea barriers were established to address the problem.

The prolonged presence of the migrant population has also put pressure on Ceuta's health services, with cases of contagious illnesses prompting additional public-health measures, including the mobilization of up to 25,000 vaccine doses. Authorities have been working to register and protect unaccompanied minors, who are among the most vulnerable in the crisis. Concerns about public safety have arisen due to reports of robberies, fights, and sexual offenses, many involving migrants themselves.

Opposition leaders have demanded a faster return of migrants to their home countries. The Spanish People's Party (PP) spokesperson Borja Sémper called for the deployment of all necessary immigration units and for officials to work three shifts daily until the emergency ends. The government must address the situation individually for minors, those with international protection status, and others whose circumstances prevent immediate return.

Meanwhile, Spain's main opposition party criticized the European Union's response to the crisis, describing it as "hysterical, disproportionate, and absurd."