The city of Ceuta is experiencing a scenario of growing social tension following the mass entry of thousands of illegal immigrants of Moroccan origin, in a context that has led to protests from Spanish citizens, incidents in public spaces, and clashes in various areas.
Hundreds of local residents mobilized towards the Government Delegation to express their rejection of the situation. The demonstrations took place amid a climate of strong discontent, with criticism directed at the management of Spain's socialist president, Pedro Sánchez, and the general collapse of security.
During the protests, demonstrators chanted slogans against immigration policy and demanded urgent measures. Among the most repeated messages, they denounced an “unprecedented migration invasion” and called for immediate border control.
There were also incidents between Spanish residents and Moroccans in the streets of Ceuta, where locals began to openly question the undocumented individuals for crossing the border. "Invaders, sons of bitches", shouted a Spanish citizen in front of the Moroccan invasion.
The invasion of Moroccans
At the same time, the entry of thousands of illegal immigrants impacted the commercial activity of the city. Merchants and large chains opted to close their establishments out of fear of possible looting or disturbances in the main commercial areas, in a context of free movement of large groups of immigrants in various parts of the city.
This pressure has led the city's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, to desperately demand the declaration of “national emergency” and the immediate deployment of the Army to regain control of the territory, although Sánchez's government refuses to do so.
Pedro Sánchez
The situation was exacerbated by the circulation of videos on social media showing some newly arrived Moroccans celebrating their entry.
In the footage, they are seen making gestures towards the cameras and shouting political slogans in favor of Pedro Sánchez. This content represented a provocation for the local population and millions of Spaniards, which increased the level of tension.
On the other hand, the Board of Spokespersons of the Ceuta Assembly, including the local PSOE, has called for the closure of the Tarajal border, but the socialist government continues to favor a lukewarm diplomacy with Morocco and rejects taking strict measures.
