Ceuta Grapples with Aftermath of Border Surge after Most Migrants Leave Spanish Territory

Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, is slowly returning to normal after a surge of tens of thousands of migrants entered from Morocco. While most have since returned, residents remain unsettled by the events. Spanish authorities are still searching for bodies in the waters near the urban beach where the migrants breached the border. Shops have reopened, and daily life is resuming, but the city of 84,000 is grappling with the impact of the influx.

At least 72 migrants died during the chaotic crossing, some drowning and others killed in a stampede. Morocco reported 11 deaths, though it's unclear if they are included in Spain's toll. Moroccan authorities blamed misinformation and human traffickers for the breach and are investigating. Locals, however, disagree on the cause and blame. "The authorities are responsible," said Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a waiter, arguing that the young men were not at fault if borders are open.

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It's not the young men's fault. If you open the border, of course everyone comes in, but the young men aren't to blame. The authorities are responsible.

The humanitarian crisis has reignited the immigration debate across Europe. Far-right politicians and influencers visited Ceuta, prompting counterprotests from the city's Muslim population, many of Moroccan descent. Alvise Pérez, a far-right politician, called for the expulsion of migrants, facing angry crowds and requiring police escort to a bar for safety. Ceuta resident Noor Ahmed criticized such figures, accusing them of exploiting the crisis for political gain.

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They just want to take advantage of the humanitarian crisis Ceuta is currently experiencing.