The Spanish Civil Guard has reported that approximately 88,146 migrants are believed to have returned to Morocco following a mass entry into the occupied city of Ceuta last summer. This development has reignited debate over the actual numbers of migrants who entered the city and those who managed to return. According to a report by the Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, the data was included in a judicial file being examined by Judge Maria Tardon at the Spanish National Court.
The report, dated October 27, relates to an investigation into irregular migrant entries on July 30 and 31. The numbers in the report exceed those previously announced by the Spanish government. On July 31, authorities reported that around 50,000 people from Morocco had arrived in Ceuta, with over 37,500 returning. Ceuta's regional government head, Juan Jesus Vivas, estimated the number of arrivals at around 60,000, while Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlasca suggested the figure could be between 50,000 and 60,000.
By August 4, the Spanish Interior Ministry had raised its estimates to 72,000 migrants, stating that around 2,000 people remained in the city, while approximately 70,000 of the 72,000 arrivals had returned. The Civil Guard report also revealed that special underwater activity groups and maritime service personnel carried out a total of 862 rescue operations in Spanish waters during the mass entry events.
The report confirmed 90 deaths during these incidents. It also detailed the human and security resources deployed in the city, noting that the Civil Guard's authorized personnel structure consists of 695 positions, but the actual number of available personnel varies due to leave, promotions, and staff transfers. On July 29, there were 585 available Civil Guard personnel, which decreased to 437 on August 10 and rose to 546 by October 19.
The Spanish authorities reinforced their security presence in the city by sending additional units and logistical resources, which were adapted to the evolving situation and operational needs. These developments highlight one of the most significant migration crises at the Morocco-Ceuta border and raise further questions about the actual numbers of arrivals and returns, casualty figures, and the responsibilities associated with managing those events.
The Civil Guard's report has sparked renewed interest in the events that unfolded during the mass migrant entry into Ceuta. The incident drew significant attention from both Spanish and international authorities, who were criticized for their handling of the situation. The numbers provided by the Civil Guard contrast with earlier estimates, underscoring the complexity of tracking and reporting migrant movements.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges at the Morocco-Ceuta border and the need for accurate and coordinated reporting on migrant movements. The Spanish government and other stakeholders continue to grapple with the complexities of managing migration flows, balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
Key points
- The Spanish Civil Guard reported that approximately 88,146 migrants returned to Morocco after a mass entry into Ceuta last summer.
