Spain calls for calm after anti-migrant protesters clash with cops

Madrid, Spain, witnessed anti-migrant protests turning violent on Friday as Spanish police and residents of the enclave of Ceuta clashed. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called for calm and urged an end to any form of violence, stressing that such actions are not a solution to the complex issues faced by Ceuta. The tension arose after thousands of migrants, who had crossed from Morocco into Ceuta during a mass influx in July, remained in the 80,000-inhabitant North African territory.

Although most migrants have since left, several remain on the streets and beaches, leading to intensified demonstrations. Some protesters clashed with police on Thursday at a beach where migrants were resting, resulting in the burning of belongings and causing injury to a soldier. Separately, Moroccan migrants threw stones at troops, and 12 migrants were arrested after attacking a police officer.

Two more arrests followed after migrants assaulted a police officer. The local government of Ceuta, led by Juan Vivas, condemned the use of violence and vowed to take action against those committing acts of vandalism. Right-wing and far-right parties demanded the roundup and deportation of all migrants, accusing commentators of inciting hatred and confrontation.

The Spanish government stated that each migrant must be identified to determine their eligibility for asylum or deportation, with special protection given to unaccompanied migrant children. The interior ministry requested assistance from the European Union Agency for Asylum and the EU border agency Frontex to handle asylum applications in Ceuta.

Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish territory in North Africa, share Europe's only land borders with Africa and frequently encounter migration pressure from individuals seeking entry into the EU. Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares described the border of these territories as "the most unequal and complex border in the world to manage" and appealed for solidarity with Ceuta and Melilla.