Migration from conflict areas is not the same as migration from low-income countries. Migration from workers and asylum seekers is not the same as smugglers, human trafficking, sexual aggressors or extremist jihadists -as has recently been identified by Spanish Counterterrorism in Ceuta)[1] . Migration from a legal status, is not the same as from an illegal one.
Contrary at what it supposes, massive mobilisation of people does not generate more solidarity in a positive and healthy circle, instead, xenophobia, racism and violent reactions are the “new normal”, like in Spain. Unlike in the past, migration crisis is building new alliances among ideologically opposite political sectors, exposing that the society is awakening of what is not part of a natural migration wave but a massive mobilisation conducted by obscure agendas.
Solidarity is not about chaos; a national emergency is not about compassion. Death and violent behaviour go against EU security goals and purposes.
Since the mass border crossing on July 30th, 2026, 71.000 migrants entered illegally in less than 48 hours. A city with a population of almost 85.000 habitants with capacity to host 29 children in their host centres, saw it overflow his capabilities up to 2500 unaccompanied minors
Challenging not only the meaning of free movement of people but the very concept of migration and human rights on dignity, security and trafficking.
Despite demand from the EU Commission to return all migrants, including minors[2], for no plausible reasons, the Spanish Government is relocating around 500 in the continent[3]. Solidarity is once again the odd justification that sadly makes their political leaders complicit in human trafficking.
Telecommunications, social media, and easy ways to move across the world, enable an environment for whom the natural movement of people becomes a massive and anarchical displacement. Using humanitarian aid as a permanent resource instead of temporary action for the duration of the crisis. The hope to get into a global system is freedom of movement and the power to help vulnerable people fast and easy. Not to serve obscure interests furthering national emergencies resulting in instability for the local citizens and the foreigners.
The message that solidarity is about a chaotic movement, independent from local capacities, within human trafficking, humanitarian aid crisis, or extremism, is not accurate. Solidarity is first and above all a feeling based on empathy and generosity, part of high social standards for individual fulfilment as well as State policies towards international aid and cooperation. None of them supposes driving nations into chaos or exposing civil society to security issues. If that is the case it is not about solidarity but the engagement with extremism and violation of national sovereignty.
Regardless of the continuity of these kinds of policies, it’s good to highlight and appreciate how the European Union has evolved from 2024 until now. In terms of engagement and awareness of the need to prevent deaths and consideration of the impact of illegal and massive mobilisations of people.
It’s also good to remember in October 2013 in Lampedusa, Italy, 368 migrants died due to the harsh conditions, including pregnant women and children, forcing the Government to refocus and reshape their action beyond ideologies. Marking a new perception of what migration means and leading into the current political positions from Italy on this regard.
In our article “The Spanish Lampedusa and the silence of Brussels” from August 2024 [4] it was precisely this concern: a growing trend of using solidarity as a coin of the realm that allows thousands of unaccompanied minors to enter the country and be distributed freely by the Government. Not to mention multiple deaths without any measure to stop them or/and consider local capacities -the Canary Islands were operating at 440% over capacity.
“It is estimated that there are 6,000 minors in the Canary Islands and 500 in Ceuta in foster care centres. El Hierro is receiving more than 1,200 people this week (September 2024).22,300 people arrived in the Canary Islands in August alone, and the number has increased by 19% in recent months. The system is operating at 440% over capacity, with one minor in foster care for every 175 inhabitants”
Surprisingly, instead of lessons learned from 2 years ago, the Spanish President P. Sanchez referred to the 22 EU leaders’ response on Ceuta with Schengen suspension[5] as “selfish” and “unlawful”. Disclosing the political will to continue with a determined agenda on hosting an unlimited number of migrants beyond capacities, and against EU rules.
Setting the political agenda based on chaos and anarchy, fuelling migrants´ expectations that cannot be fulfilled in practical terms. The consolidation of the odd political, anti-European goal finally gets consolidated by the unprecedented measure from past April to grant legal status to illegal migrants on an express procedure -after only 5 consecutive months of residence, resulting in more than 1.3 million undocumented applied for legal status -, becoming the root cause of the massive entry. A political decision, with no clear justifications despite the “romantic” appeal to evolve within esolidarity that led into a national and European emergence. The sign that a “call effect” was immediately out there comes with the disturbing message from a Moroccan social media group:
“Brothers, what will happen that day? Are you ready? August 15, 2026, Fnideq-Ceuta. That day everything will be revealed,” reads the message shared on the most popular social media platforms in Morocco, especially TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp. “We have created a group. Anyone who wants to join is welcome,” followed by a date (15/08/2026) and the phrase ‘harraga Marruecos’ (Morocco).[6]
Investigations that followed disclose the message above suggesting much more than a “free movement of vulnerable people”, but a clear intentionality of invasion beyond any legitimate need for help. ( Many of the immigrants were searching just for “better job conditions” with stable jobs in Morocco)
Activating State´s resources from a foreign country demands legitimation, along with respect for national sovereignty and peaceful goals.
Vulnerability is not a legitimate reason for allowing anarchical movements or national emergencies, putting in risk local and foreigners, including minors. The fact that some of the migrants remaining in Ceuta have been arrested because of violent behaviour, sexual aggression, illegal entry into private houses, or because of criminal records on extremism -among other- exposes the vulnerability of the locals instead.
The hidden origin of this outrageous situation may come from Morocco´ expectation to take over Ceuta and Melilla, claiming these territories through these “gestures”, however it holds Spanish sovereignty since 1580 and, therefore, are part of the European Union. The same applies to Melilla, which has been part of Spain since 1497. Although the Moroccan protectorate achieved independence in 1956, this has no legal, political, or cultural influence whatsoever on the inhabitants of Ceuta or Melilla. In fact, there is no evidence that their citizens wish to belong to Morocco or losing their Spanish identity, nationality, or values. This contrasts sharply with other enclaves that demand specific consideration, such as Donetsk, where most of the population is Russian and over 80% express a desire to belong to Russia.
Is not because of a global system. Globalisation never meant to become a single culture that cancels the rest, but a new dimension that allows connections without losing religious or traditional identity.
Once legal migration is vindicated, we reduce xenophobia, furthering social integration lead by an empowering civil society that owns the process, not from biased political agendas that are using people as weapons facilitated by non-responsive Governments.
A commitment towards migration movements and solidarity is also about searching for alternatives such as financial support to migration-generating countries by bilateral agreements. A way to balance immigration according to each other´s needs and possibilities, and for whom Education for future generations on tolerance, integration, and an enthusiastic and positive view of their Nations and traditions, become key to transforming citizens into engaged actors, avoiding indifference or even hate. At the same time, empowering their societies to enable a peaceful and balanced environment for social integration. Solidarity as a feeling that delivers peace, not a tool to be used for political purpses.
There is much to reflect on regarding political responsibilities to the current political leadership, and policies aimed at a pseudo “solidarity” that results in the current unresolved chaos—not just in immigration, but in humanitarian matters, expectations, security, and the outrageous complicity with the trafficking of people and children, in addition to the appalling death toll of 91 people -as today-. Above all, Ceuta and its citizens are the ones who are suffering from living in a city with thousands of undocumented people wandering around the streets, forcing them to close shops or live under military deployment.
Will we continue to speak of compassion and solidarity? Or rather on the lack of political responsibility for those deaths, for those undocumented children, and for the loss of political trust and public safety for the city of Ceuta, for Spain, and the rest of the countries of the European Union?
[1] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/spain-civil-guard-ceuta-jihadists-b3027827.html
[2] https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/08/335504/eu-commission-reiterates-demand-for-ceuta-migrants-return-protection/
[3]https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/19/spain-allows-500-migrant-minors-in-ceuta-to-relocate-to-the-mainland-in-u-turn
[4] https://thesustainabilityreader.com/2024/08/31/la-lampedusa-espanola-y-el-silencio-de-bruselas/
[6] https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/ceuta-sigue-amenazada-como-real-es-movilizacion-marroqui-redes-que-invita-tomar-frontera-este-sabado_7023269_0.html
thesustainabilityreader 