Hundreds of migrants stranded in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta protested on Sunday, calling on authorities to grant them asylum rather than return them to Morocco.
They were among an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 migrants who remained in Ceuta after more than 72,000 people crossed into the territory during a mass border rush two weeks ago. Most of those who entered have since returned voluntarily to Morocco.
With local resources under pressure, many of the remaining migrants have been living in difficult conditions around El Trampolin beach and on the outskirts of the city while awaiting opportunities to travel to mainland Europe.
Protesters carrying Spanish flags and signs reading “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” called for a solution to their situation. Some migrants said they were fleeing poverty, persecution or insecurity in their home countries.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska said migrants who entered irregularly would generally not be allowed to remain in Ceuta or travel to mainland Spain, except in cases involving extreme vulnerability.
Health authorities have also reported pressure on local services, with cases of infectious diseases and an increase in injuries among migrants. Health Minister Monica Garcia said, however, that the health system had not collapsed.
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