Kathmandu— Residents of Ceuta, a Spanish North African enclave, dismantled temporary shelters constructed by migrants as protests over the ongoing migration crisis intensified on Wednesday, with police using rubber bullets to separate demonstrators and migrants. The unrest follows a record influx of approximately 72,000 people who crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco in late July, many attempting to reach the European Union; while most have been returned, an estimated 5,000 to 9,000 remain in the territory, straining local resources and prompting demands for faster deportations.

Protestors Demand Action

Thousands of Ceuta residents marched through the streets on Wednesday, carrying Spanish flags and chanting slogans such as “No invasion – expulsion.” The demonstrators directed their criticism toward Madrid’s handling of the migration crisis, calling for more decisive action to address the situation. They moved towards El Trampolin beach, where many migrants had established makeshift shelters, leading to a confrontation with police who intervened to maintain order.

Migrant Shelters Torn Down

As tensions escalated at El Trampolin beach, protestors began tearing down the temporary shelters erected by migrants. Police responded by firing rubber bullets in an attempt to separate the two groups and control the situation. Media reports indicate that several of the makeshift structures were destroyed during the confrontation. The influx has placed a significant strain on Ceuta’s resources, with thousands of migrants sleeping outdoors due to limited accommodation options.

Crisis Deepens With High Numbers Remaining

The crisis began in late July when around 72,000 people crossed or attempted to cross into Ceuta, many by swimming around border barriers. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska estimates that approximately 5,000 migrants remain, while Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas places the figure as high as 9,000. Local authorities are struggling to provide adequate housing, food, and sanitation services while processing asylum claims and determining who is eligible for repatriation.

Tragic Loss of Life

The mass crossing has also resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 88 bodies recovered following the influx. These individuals were buried at Ceuta’s Muslim cemetery last week, though only nine have been identified. Meanwhile, migrants themselves have staged demonstrations demanding asylum, carrying signs expressing their desire to remain in Europe and be treated as human beings.

Spanish and Moroccan authorities are working to address the crisis by reinforcing security measures and expediting asylum decisions and repatriation processes, but the situation remains volatile and continues to pose significant challenges for Ceuta’s local government.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.