The tension over the migration crisis in Ceuta escalated again this Thursday, when a large group of residents blocked the passage of a convoy from Red Cross that was transporting food and water to illegal immigrants settled in makeshift camps in the Spanish autonomous city.
The protesters gathered near the Benítez beach and staged a sit-in on the road used by the humanitarian organization's vehicles to head towards the Trampolín area, one of the points where immigrants who entered irregularly from Morocco remain.
Neighbors organized to prevent the attendance of illegal immigrants
During the protest, the residents carried Spanish flags and shouted strong slogans against the Red Cross. Among the chants were accusations that the organization is a "mafia" and demands for it to leave the area, deepening a discontent already visible in recent weeks.
The blockade lasted about 20 minutes and forced the operation to stop while security forces attempted to clear the access and contain the situation. The police intervened to prevent the gathering from escalating into greater confrontations.
This episode represents a new escalation regarding the protests that La Derecha Diario reported days ago, when thousands of Spaniards began to publicly question the role of the Red Cross during the emergency and demanded its departure from Ceuta.
Illegal immigrants in Ceuta
The main concern of the residents is that the daily assistance with food, water, and other resources would contribute to prolonging the stay of the immigrants and their bad practices in various public spaces, while the residents demand that the Spanish State provide solutions to restore normalcy and strengthen border control.
The crisis began in late July with a massive invasion from Morocco, which quickly overwhelmed reception centers and forced the opening of additional accommodation spaces. Since then, numerous immigrants have remained on beaches, hills, and other areas of the city.
More than 50,000 Moroccans entered Ceuta violently and illegally
In recent days, authorities have carried out evictions at Trampolín beach, although some of the immigrants returned later and set up makeshift structures again.
The situation has also shifted to the realm of security, the police confirmed at least 3 group rapes of girls aged 10 and 14 in Ceuta. In recent hours, new incidents have been reported between protesters, immigrants, and security forces, while protests against the management of the crisis continue to multiply.
The Police confirmed group rapes of girls aged 10 and 14 in Ceuta
The blockade against the Red Cross thus shows a change in the level of mobilizations: citizen rejection has shifted from slogans and gatherings to attempting to directly obstruct the assistance operations aimed at those who remain illegally in Ceuta.
While the Spanish Government maintains the "humanitarian device" and Moroccan presence, residents demand measures to remove the settlements, restore control of public space, and provide a definitive response to a crisis that has been endangering the lives of citizens for weeks.
