Spain Was Warned Weeks Before Ceuta Migrant Surge

Spanish authorities had received warnings several weeks in advance that the number of migrants heading for Ceuta in North Africa could rise sharply. Nevertheless, according to border guard unions, they did not take sufficient measures in time.

The situation was complicated by a Spanish court ruling stating that migrants could be immediately returned only if they had physically crossed a barrier, not if they had crossed the sea.

Information about the ruling and videos of successful crossings spread on social media. As a result, more than 70,000 people headed for Ceuta in late July.

Spanish authorities have reported 80 fatalities, and another 14 bodies were found in Morocco, bringing the confirmed death toll to 94. Madrid claims that the mass influx was fueled by misinformation spread by criminal networks.

However, labor unions point out that they have repeatedly asked the government for clear instructions, additional personnel and the establishment of a temporary reception center.

(Reuters, mja)