'There Is an Enemy Within': Ceuta Returns to Normal After Migrant Crisis, But Questions Haunt Locals

Ceuta, Spain — Shops have reopened and cafés are once again filled with residents and tourists in Ceuta, but the Spanish enclave on Morocco's coast remains shaken by a massive migrant surge that killed dozens and reignited Europe's immigration debate.

Most of the estimated 50,000-60,000 migrants who swam, climbed, and charged into the tiny enclave had returned to Morocco by Sunday, while others tried to blend into the local population and stay in the city. Spanish Civil Guard vessels continued searching coastal waters for bodies near the urban beach where the crossing unfolded days earlier.

Spanish authorities said at least 72 migrants died, including some who drowned and others who were killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier. The scale of the humanitarian toll has reignited debate over immigration policy across Europe.

Despite the city's pride in being home to four cultures living side by side, locals remain divided over what caused the surge and who is to blame. "It's not the young men's fault," said Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a 44-year-old waiter at a fried fish restaurant in town. "If you open the border, of course everyone comes in, but the young men aren't to blame. The authorities are responsible."

Others struck a far more suspicious tone. Eva Barrientos, a Ceuta resident who works in logistics, attended a weekend protest and questioned the loyalty of some of the city's foreign-born residents to Spain, saying, "In Ceuta, we have always lived together. We have four cultures living very well, without any problems. But the only thing we are realizing now is that there is an enemy within."

Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, visited Ceuta and criticized the Spanish government's handling of the surge, describing it as "an invasion" and accusing authorities of failing to protect the border.

Pope Leo XIV also weighed in, saying he was following the situation in Ceuta with concern and praying for solutions of peace, stability, and justice, part of what has been one of his key humanitarian priorities.

As the city of roughly 84,000 people settles back into its rhythms, the deeper rift the crisis exposed — over identity, belonging, and who is responsible — shows little sign of closing.

This is a developing story.