Ceuta and Melilla: The Battle Against Illegal Immigration from Africa Continues, Despite Efforts and Controversy

The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the African continent, have been grappling with the challenge of illegal immigration from Africa for over 20 years. Despite efforts to combat it using rigid border fences, violent mass attacks continue to lead to injuries and fatalities on both sides.

Last Wednesday, an estimated 200 men from countries south of the Sahara attempted to enter EU territory illegally via Morocco. This led to a confrontation at the border and raised concerns about human rights violations. However, Spain’s border control measures are supported and monitored by the EU’s Frontex agency.

The cities are surrounded by 10-meter high double steel fences in Ceuta and 12-kilometer long fences in Melilla to prevent unauthorized entry. These fences are equipped with video surveillance, infrared cameras, motion detectors, and other security measures to deter border crossings. However, some migrants manage to enter the cities by sea, mainly from the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands.

The relationship between Spain and Morocco plays a crucial role in combating illegal immigration as Morocco’s cooperation is essential to prevent unauthorized entries into Spain. Last year saw a significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants entering Spain from Africa with over 57,000 arrivals. However, only about 1,200 of them crossed the land border to Ceuta or Melilla. Effective border control measures and cooperation between countries are essential to address ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration in these regions.

In conclusion, Ceuta and Melilla face a significant challenge when it comes to combating illegal immigration from Africa. Despite efforts to prevent it using rigid border fences and other security measures, violent mass attacks continue to occur leading to injuries and fatalities on both sides. The relationship between Spain and Morocco is crucial in preventing unauthorized entries into Spain’s territory through their cooperation efforts.