Ceuta witnessed a surge in migrant arrivals over the weekend, with around 40 individuals, including several minors, successfully entering the territory.
The majority of migrants, primarily Moroccans with a few Algerians, swam across the breakwater at the Benzú border point, a location notorious for its constant flow of migrants.
This influx comes just after the meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Moroccan King Mohammed VI, and another meeting between Ceuta’s Mayor Juan Vivas and Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
Throughout the night, Spanish Civil Guard units were on high alert, responding to migrant arrivals detected by the Command and Observation System headquarters.
Collaboration between various teams, including the “owl teams” responsible for surveillance, patrolling units, and the Maritime Service, ensured swift intervention.
While around 40 individuals managed to reach the shore, primarily at Benzú with a few reaching Tarajal, other attempts were thwarted.
Notably, attempts to scale the border fence, which lacks an updated sensor system and is slated for future improvements, were unsuccessful, particularly during a period of rain and strong winds.
Among those who successfully swam across, a concerning presence of several minors was observed.
A group of 12 arriving around sunset on the 25th included six individuals between the ages of 16 and 17. Later, another group of ten, including a 17-year-old, made landfall near the Beliones-Benzú breakwater. Several in this group sustained injuries upon contact with rocks.
Overnight and into the early morning of Monday, sporadic arrivals continued. Some individuals, primarily sub-Saharan Africans, were intercepted at the fence, while another ten Moroccans and Algerians swam through the Beliones breakwater.
Two minors, both under 17, were also part of this group. The influx concluded with the arrival of four swimmers, two minors, through Benzú early in the morning.
The presence of minors and the outdated border infrastructure raise concerns about safety and the need for effective solutions.
A project is underway to develop artificial intelligence systems that will assist with border control and reduce the number of migrant arrivals.
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