Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain Builds New Barrier as Death Toll Reaches 67
Spain is taking new actions at its border with Morocco. This follows a huge rush of migrants into its city of Ceuta. At least 67 people have died during this crossing. Police started building a new floating barrier on Saturday. The barrier is 500 meters long.
About 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. This happened within a few days. This was an unexpected number of arrivals. More than 48,000 of these people have now returned to Morocco.
The new barrier is made of inflatable parts. It will float on the water for up to 70 centimeters. It will also reach one meter below the surface. This barrier aims to stop people from swimming across the border.
The deaths were caused by drowning and crushing. Many people tried to climb the border fence. Others tried to cross the water. Spanish authorities found 67 bodies on their side of the border.
The large number of arrivals caused concern across the European Union. Twenty-two EU countries asked for stronger border protection. Ireland, which leads the EU currently, called an emergency meeting. This meeting will happen on Tuesday to discuss the crisis.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also criticized Italy. Italy stopped passport-free travel with Spain for one month. Sanchez said this reaction was “selfish” and “unlawful.”
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska spoke from Ceuta. He blamed people-smuggling groups. He said they took advantage of vulnerable migrants. These groups spread wrong information to encourage crossings.
Minister Grande-Marlaska said Spain largely brought order back within 24 hours. He added that police and military will stay as long as needed. He also said Morocco is a “fully reliable partner.”
A police union in Spain asked for 200 more officers. They warned that people might still try to swim around the new barrier. Spain has confirmed that migrants who entered illegally cannot travel further into mainland Spain or other EU countries.
