Weeks after thousands of migrants crossed its borders in late July, Ceuta remains in an abnormal situation, Minister of Presidency and Justice Félix Bolaños told the National Security Commission. He said the government is mobilizing all necessary human and material resources to restore stability. He also rejected opposition accusations that it responded too late or abandoned the city during the crisis.
Bolaños said the government had no prior intelligence or reports indicating the scale of the migrant influx. His admission came as the Partido Popular (PP), Vox and some government allies sharply criticized the handling of what they call a “polyhedral polycrisis.” One of the cabinet’s most influential figures, the minister appeared before the commission after the conflict was classified as a matter of highest national interest. He sought to reassure Ceuta’s residents but conceded that normality has not returned, citing 70,000 irregular border crossings in hours and 1,475 minors already registered.
Bolaños outlined the government’s response to the crisis. It has invested €180 million since October 2022, and the president has visited four times. More than 500 police and civil guards have been added, bringing the total to 1,700. In the justice sector, he said the General Council of the Judiciary could receive immediate reinforcements if requested. He also cited a 300% increase in staff at the Institute of Legal Medicine, which enabled rapid autopsies and identifications after the surge.
Judicial activity in Ceuta has also risen, with a 4.2% increase in cases this August compared with 2025. Bolaños acknowledged the challenge but dismissed claims of a dramatic crime wave, countering Vox’s assertion of 200 daily offenses. He reported 594 complaints filed in August and urged accurate accounting. Throughout his appearance, he emphasized the need for a humanitarian and constitutional approach, echoing demands from left-wing coalition partners.
Bolaños also pointed to the “distorted interpretation” on social media of a July Supreme Court ruling regarding the non-return of migrants who do not bypass physical barriers. But neither PP nor Vox, nor other parties, accepted this as the sole explanation for the mass arrival. Government allies, including PNV, EH Bildu, ERC and Junts, agreed that the crisis was poorly managed. They said the government underestimated its scale and reacted too slowly. Many also criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for not interrupting his vacation, while Bolaños defended Sánchez’s remote involvement from the Canary Islands.
Debate over Morocco’s role intensified. No party, whether on the right or left, or among government allies, accepted the official line that Morocco was not complicit. Bolaños firmly denied any evidence of Moroccan orchestration, warning that speculation and accusations could harm diplomatic relations. He also pointed out that Morocco is holding elections on September 23 but avoided further discussion of possible motives.
PP and Vox described the events as an “invasion.” Vox demanded a treason trial for the president, while PP called for elections, citing what it sees as government weakness. Bolaños countered that no previous administration had done more for Ceuta. He reiterated that there had been no advance warnings about the scale of the migrant flow and rejected claims of Moroccan involvement as unfounded.
The crisis has placed impressive strain on local services and heightened political tensions. As previously reported, Ceuta’s health system has also faced severe pressure following the sudden influx, prompting emergency measures and increased support for medical staff. For more on the impact on Ceuta’s healthcare, see this detailed report on the challenges facing local hospitals.
Ceuta’s position as a Spanish enclave bordering Morocco has long made it a focal point for migration issues. The recent events have renewed debate over Spain’s border management and the adequacy of early warning systems, as well as the balance between humanitarian obligations and security. The government’s response and the political fallout are likely to shape national discussions on migration and border policy in the months ahead.
