The illegal immigration crisis in the Spanish exclave Ceuta prompted calls for tougher border measures and a crackdown on human trafficking.
European Union interior ministers voiced support for Spain on Tuesday following the deadly illegal immigrant surge in Ceuta, while calling for stronger borders, faster returns, and expanded efforts to dismantle migrant-smuggling networks.
During an informal video conference, Spanish officials, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service briefed ministers on the situation in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa that forms part of the EU’s only land border with the continent.
The meeting followed an unprecedented influx that began on July 30, when an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco by land and sea. Many swam around a border breakwater after social media posts claimed that Spain had opened its border.
More than 80 people died on both sides of the border, according to figures released by Spanish and Moroccan authorities. Some drowned while attempting to swim to Ceuta, while others were crushed or trampled during chaotic efforts to climb a breakwater and border fence.
EU member states and countries associated with the Schengen passport-free travel area praised Spain’s response and expressed condolences for those who died while attempting the crossing.
“The EU is united and stands ready to support Spain and protect our external borders from illegal migration,” Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s minister for justice, home affairs, and migration, said in a statement.
“We commend Spain for their swift response to the situation in Ceuta and extend our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life.”
The ministers agreed that the bloc should continue fighting migrant-smuggling networks, increase returns of illegal immigrants, strengthen its external borders, and deepen partnerships with countries of origin and transit.
Most Migrants Returned
Spanish authorities and the European Commission said during Tuesday’s conference call that the “very large majority” of people who entered Ceuta illegally had been returned to Morocco.
They also said there had been no onward movement to mainland Spain or other EU member states.
Spanish officials previously said that more than 48,000 migrants returned within the first 48 hours, either because they were expelled or left voluntarily, many due to shortages of food, water, and shelter.
While no new binding measures were announced during Tuesday’s conference, the ministers called for better early-warning systems, including greater use of intelligence on migration movements before they reach EU borders and closer monitoring of social media.
Online Rumors Helped Fuel Surge
Spain and Morocco have blamed misinformation and human-smuggling networks for helping fuel the surge.
Several young migrants who spoke to The Epoch Times in Ceuta said that the videos circulating on social media convinced them to come.
By Tom Ozimek
