Public frustration over Ceuta’s migration crisis spilled onto the streets on Sunday, 27 September, when roughly 600 residents marched from the city centre to the Tarajal border gates demanding tighter controls. Under the slogan “It’s not immigration, it’s an invasion”, participants staged a brief sit-in on the N-352 roadway, blocking commercial traffic to and from Morocco for about 30 minutes before dispersing peacefully. Although the demonstration was smaller than the 25,000-strong housing protest in Madrid the same weekend, it highlights growing pressure on the Spanish government to restore business normality at one of the EU’s most complex external borders. Freight forwarders told Europa Press that Sunday’s stoppage delayed at least 40 lorry crossings and forced some perishable-goods hauliers to re-route via Algeciras. Local shopkeepers, many of whom depend on day-tripper customers from Morocco, say sales have fallen by up to 60 % since July’s mass entry, as sporadic protests and reinforced police checks complicate cross-border movement. The Ceuta Chamber of Commerce is urging authorities to open a dedicated “green lane” for vetted business travellers and commercial vehicles. While Sunday’s protest ended without incident, organisers vowed to return weekly until the government installs additional maritime barriers and deploys 200 extra Guardia Civil officers. For mobility managers with staff or suppliers in Ceuta, the takeaway is clear: expect intermittent disruptions at Tarajal and plan for sea-freight alternatives via mainland ports.
Source: Europa Press
