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Migration crisis and social protests in Ceuta

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2026-09-04 22:25 UTC → 2026-09-10 11:48 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a massive influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco in late July that strained local resources, the migration crisis in Ceuta has prompted various forms of public demonstration. In late August, players from AD Ceuta and UD Las Palmas staged a symbolic protest during a LaLiga Hypermotion match. The players wore shirts stating, ‘Ceuta is not for sale. Ceuta must be defended,’ and stood still for the first 30 seconds of the game. The protest received support from LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who declared, ‘Ceuta is Spain. Ceuta is ours.’ By the end of August, demonstrations shifted toward opposing xenophobia. The Sindicato de Estudiantes organized a protest in Madrid to show solidarity with Moroccan migrants and to criticize political rhetoric from the PP and Vox parties, which organizers claim labels migrants as ‘invaders.’ Tensions escalated in early September with large-scale mobilizations. Following a call from Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who stated, ‘Madrid is not going to stay silent,’ massive protests occurred in Madrid and other Spanish cities on Ceuta Day. In Madrid, an estimated 50,000 people gathered to criticize Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for a perceived lack of transparency and border protection. These rallies were supported by the People’s Party (PP) and Vox. The Madrid demonstration was marked by reports of members of the ultra-nationalist group Núcleo Nacional performing Nazi-style salutes and singing the Franco-era anthem ‘Cara al Sol.’ The event concluded with clashes involving law enforcement, resulting in four arrests and four injuries to police officers, alongside reports of journalists being verbally abused and physically harassed by protesters. In early September, academic and political pressure intensified. University professors from Ceuta called on the University of Granada to sever ties with Morocco and revoke the Honorary Doctorate previously awarded to Moroccan King Mohamed VI.

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