Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska accused human-smuggling networks of exploiting a recent court ruling to encourage irregular crossings into Ceuta, warning that those who entered unlawfully would be returned.
Spain’s Interior Ministry said the networks were targeting mostly young migrants after the ruling restricted the immediate return of people intercepted while swimming at sea.
Madrid and Rabat have agreed to strengthen coordination and review procedures to ensure the “handover, as soon as possible, of all persons who have entered Ceuta illegally,” the ministry said.
Grande-Marlaska has remained in direct contact with Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit and is due to visit Ceuta on Friday to announce urgent measures.
The ministry also praised Morocco’s “exemplary cooperation,” saying Moroccan security forces had prevented thousands of attempted crossings in recent days.
More than 1,500 migrants have nevertheless reached Ceuta over roughly a week, overwhelming the enclave’s reception facilities.
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