Spain asks Frontex for help with migrant crisis in Ceuta

Spain's government has formally requested assistance from the EU's border agency, Frontex, to help manage the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta, its North African enclave. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska directed the request to Beate Gminder, the European Commission's Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

The appeal comes after a significant surge of migrants, estimated at around 72,000, entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. While most returned quickly, approximately 5,000 migrants remained in the territory as of late August. The Spanish government faces considerable pressure due to the situation.

Legal constraints prevent rapid deportation of the remaining migrants, and local opposition to their presence is growing, with some residents protesting violently. Spain is also restricted by international law and court rulings from collective repatriation without individual assessments.

Moving migrants to mainland Spain, even temporarily, has been ruled out due to potential resistance from conservative regions and concerns about violating Schengen rules. Frontex is being asked to provide ten additional officers to help expedite the registration and initial screening process. Support from the EU Asylum Agency is also sought for interviews and interpretation services.