In the midst of the severe migration crisis affecting the autonomous city of Ceuta, in Spain, the warnings made years ago by the leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, have gone viral again, who in 2021 had been declared “persona non grata” for denouncing the massive illegal immigration in the Spanish enclave.
In recent hours, the territory has been completely overwhelmed following the entry of more than 70,000 illegal immigrants from Morocco in less than 48 hours, leading to a situation of logistical collapse, disturbances, and growing concern among local residents.
The current context revives a key political episode that occurred on July 23, 2021, when the Assembly of Ceuta approved declaring Abascal “persona non grata”. The measure was promoted by the Movement for Dignity and Citizenship (MDyC) and had the support of PSOE and Caballas, who provided 10 votes in favor.
Illegal immigrants
The four deputies from Vox voted against, while nine councilors from the Popular Party and two other deputies abstained, allowing the initiative to progress.
The decision was made after Abascal described the migration situation at that time as an "invasion" and pointed out the existence of “pro-Moroccan” sectors within the city, following the entry of thousands of undocumented individuals. However, five years later, current events confirm the validity of his warnings.
The current situation in Ceuta
Today, Ceuta is in a state of maximum alert. The streets are filled with illegal immigrants, leading to the preventive closure of businesses and increasing insecurity for residents. According to the residents themselves, the city is experiencing a scenario of abandonment, with collapsed services and no effective responses from the socialist government of Pedro Sánchez.
Pedro Sánchez
Amid this situation, there have been attacks, thefts, burglary, and attempts at illegal occupation of homes and establishments in various parts of the territory.
The social reaction was swift. Residents of Ceuta took to the streets to protest against Sánchez's government, demanding urgent measures to stop the crisis.
Both the local government and the citizens formally called for the declaration of a national emergency, along with a more forceful intervention that includes the deployment of military forces. However, the central socialist administration refused to move in that direction, deepening the discontent in the city.
The current scenario not only highlights a large-scale migration crisis but also reopens the political debate about the decisions made in the past and their consequences.
Abascal's declaration as “persona non grata,” in this context, is once again subject to scrutiny in light of a situation that reflects warnings that were ignored at the time.
