This Situation is Unprecedented and Disrupts the Trend of Decreasing Illegal Immigration, Says Spanish Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Spain has described the mass influx of migrants as an attack on the nation. The large-scale arrival of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has been termed an "attack and a violation of Spain's territorial integrity." This was stated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at a press conference following his arrival in the city.

“What has happened deserves our most decisive condemnation,” Sánchez said, adding that the government would engage all state resources to ensure citizens' security.

According to the Prime Minister, the root cause of the current situation is the exploitative interpretation of a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court by criminal organizations. This concerns the decision regarding the repatriation of individuals who entered the country by swimming.

Sánchez also announced that floating barriers will be installed along the border to create a physical barrier and facilitate the return of migrants. “This situation is unprecedented and disrupts the trend of decreasing illegal immigration, so measures must be taken,” he noted, not ruling out legislative changes if necessary.

The Commission on Asylum Affairs held an emergency session to make decisions regarding deportations. The cases of illegally entered migrants are being expedited, while hundreds of people are leaving the city voluntarily.

Yesterday, thousands of migrants arriving from Morocco illegally entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. According to El Confidencial, at least 24 migrants have died as a result of the border invasion, and nearly 50,000 people have entered the city. The population of Ceuta is around 85,000.

Spain and Morocco have already agreed to accelerate the deportation of migrants from Ceuta. The Spanish Ministry of Interior has reported that networks engaged in illegal transportation have exploited the judicial ruling to stimulate the influx of migrants.