Migrant “invasion” left Ceuta, Spain, traumatised, city’s mayor says

Ceuta Mayor Juan Jesús Vivas has described last week's mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave from Morocco as an "invasion", telling members of the European Parliament that the crisis has left the city traumatised and renewing calls for the immediate deportation of migrants who remain there.

Speaking before the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Vivas said around 80,000 people crossed into Ceuta by sea on July 30-31 — a figure roughly equal to the city's population — in one of the largest migration crises in the European Union's history, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euronews.

Citing the Royal Spanish Academy's definition of "invasion" as the irregular occupation of a place, Vivas argued that the events had called into question the integrity of Ceuta, Spain and the European Union.

Although most of the migrants have since returned to Morocco, Vivas made it clear that the city continues to face a humanitarian emergency, public order disruptions and security risks.

He added that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in overcrowded reception centres, preventing the city from returning to normal.

The mayor called for stronger border controls and the immediate expulsion of Moroccan nationals who entered Ceuta irregularly and remain in the enclave.

He noted, however, that unaccompanied minors can only be returned to their country of origin with their consent.

Vivas also said local authorities had warned Spain's central government before the mass crossing about a sharp rise in irregular arrivals from Morocco. He added that Moroccan authorities had refused to engage with the city during the crisis.

"What has become apparent," he said, "is that our border is porous and vulnerable."

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov