Margarita Robles’ Ceuta Visit Amid Migration Surge and Senate Standoff

On Wednesday, August 12, Defence Minister Margarita Robles travelled to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. She met city president Juan Jesús Vivas, the local military commander and troops from the “Duque de Alba” 2nd Tercio of La Legión. Robles reiterated that Ceuta and Melilla are “very Spanish,” pledged that the armed forces would stay as long as necessary, and praised the National Intelligence Center’s performance.

Margarita Robles walks the streets of Ceuta while the Government's proposal to the Senate is distanced. The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors Robles: attacking Ceuta or Melilla is to assault Spain Robles will go to the Senate and the PP pressures Marlaska and Albares Robles will go to the Senate for Ceuta and the PP attacks Marlaska and Albares Neighbor from Ceuta breaks down crying and pleads with Robles The PP maintains its pressure on the Government and summons Marlaska, Robles, and Albares in the Senate for the Ceuta crisis.

The tension follows a massive irregular crossing that began on July 30, when thousands entered Ceuta from Morocco. Interior Ministry figures recorded 72,000 entries and roughly 70,000 returns in the first days; former Minister Ángel Víctor Torres later estimated the total influx at 80,000. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on July 31 to chair a coordination meeting. Social-media alerts warned of a possible repeat crossing on August 15, prompting the General Command to suspend permits and keep units on standby.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• Entries and returns: 72,000 entries, ~70,000 returns (Interior Ministry); 80,000 total (Torres).

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• People remaining: About 10,000 still in the city; 1,342 minors confirmed.

Neighbor from Ceuta breaks down crying and pleads with Robles

• Military presence: Over 3,000 soldiers deployed, including Regulares, cavalry, engineers, artillery, logistics and health services.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• Budgetary response: €25 million extraordinary allocation.

The PP maintains its pressure on the Government and summons Marlaska, Robles, and Albares in the Senate for the Ceuta crisis.

• Personnel reinforcement: Civil Guard up 40 %; National Police up nearly 30 %.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• Margarita Robles: Defended the armed forces, called the enclaves “very Spanish,” praised the CNI.

Margarita Robles walks the streets of Ceuta while the Government's proposal to the Senate is distanced.

• Government spokesperson Elma Saiz: Said no report warned the executive about the July 30 scale.

Margarita Robles walks the streets of Ceuta while the Government's proposal to the Senate is distanced.

• Popular Party (PP): Claims the CNI did warn of a massive entry.

Neighbor from Ceuta breaks down crying and pleads with Robles

• Juan Jesús Vivas: Requested permanent personnel increases and new border infrastructure.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• José Manuel Albares (Foreign Affairs): Reported daily talks with Morocco’s Nasser Bourita to accelerate returns.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

The PP has pressured the government to appear before the Senate’s extraordinary commissions. After the executive rejected an August 13 summons, the party announced Robles would attend on August 18, labeling the delay a “democratic rebellion.” Local resident Pepi, a retired healthcare worker, pleaded with Robles not to abandon Ceuta, expressing fear after the influx.

Robles will go to the Senate and the PP pressures Marlaska and Albares

During Robles’ arrival, Pepi interrupted the procession, stating she had taken a knife out of fear and could not sleep. Military personnel escorted her and another neighbor to the General Command. The atmosphere at the Autonomous Palace included boos and whistles directed at the government.

Neighbor from Ceuta breaks down crying and pleads with Robles

• Entry figures: 72,000 (Interior Ministry) vs. 80,000 (Torres).

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• Intelligence warning: Government denies any warning; PP asserts the CNI warned.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

• Minor count: 1,342 confirmed minors; total remaining population remains unclear.

The Government takes Minister Margarita Robles to a Ceuta on alert due to the risk of another massive crossing and the crisis of minors

The Senate has scheduled Robles to appear before the Defence Commission on August 18. A technical team from the Youth and Childhood Ministry will be installed in Ceuta to process minors’ cases. The €25 million emergency fund will continue to support local services, and the military remains on standby.

Margarita Robles walks the streets of Ceuta while the Government's proposal to the Senate is distanced.