Spanish PM says Morocco’s border control ‘failed’ in Ceuta

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sancho claimed on Tuesday that Moroccan border controls were inadequate during a recent surge of migrants entering Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. More than 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented and deadly rush, with most returning to Morocco shortly thereafter. However, several thousand have remained in the enclave, leading to ongoing violence and daily protests from local residents.

Sancho stated during an interview with CNN in New York that his government is investigating the events of July and has requested actions and explanations from Morocco. While acknowledging that there is no solid proof of a Moroccan conspiracy, he emphasized the need for the Moroccan authorities to provide answers and make necessary changes to prevent a recurrence of the migrant influx.

A Spanish police report, based on satellite images, open-source videos, and testimonies from migrants, revealed that the number of Moroccan police officers near the border crossing was significantly lower than usual. The report also noted that the Moroccan officers did not make a serious effort to control the massive influx of migrants.

The Spanish government has since had to identify the thousands of migrants still in Ceuta to determine their eligibility for asylum. Children without parents cannot be deported without due process.