Thousands of protesters gathered across Spain on Wednesday, including approximately 50,000 in Madrid, to demonstrate against the ongoing migrant crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish territory located on the African coast. Residents in Ceuta itself also rallied, expressing their concerns with chants and national flags.

The protests coincided with Ceuta Day, a local holiday commemorating a 15th-century historical event. The demonstrations also occur just over a month after a significant surge on July 30 and 31, when an estimated 70,000 migrants and asylum seekers entered Ceuta from Morocco, a period that resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people.

While many who arrived during the July surge have since departed, thousands remain. Spanish government figures estimate around 5,000, including 1,200 minors, are still present, though local counts suggest a higher number. Among those seeking refuge is Otman Ianaya, 40, who arrived with his family, stating, "There is no work in Morocco. I want to build a future in my life."

The situation has led to significant strain, with some migrants and asylum seekers sleeping on Ceuta's beaches. The Spanish government has implemented measures to expand emergency housing and increase social service funding, but these efforts have faced criticism for being insufficient to meet the scale of the need.

The crisis has exacerbated political divisions within Spain. Ceuta's regional leader, Juan Jesus Vivas of the conservative Popular Party, has characterized the influx as a "violation of Spain’s territorial integrity." In contrast, Spain’s territorial policy minister, Angel Victor Torres, has accused the conservative and far-right opposition of leveraging the crisis to criticize the central government rather than offering constructive solutions.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has attributed the large-scale crossing to a misinterpretation of a court ruling and the spread of disinformation online, which he believes encouraged the mass arrival. The strain has also resulted in isolated incidents of violence, including clashes, damage to a military patrol vehicle, and reports of sexual assaults.

Residents in Ceuta have also engaged in direct protests, sometimes clashing with police and destroying belongings associated with migrants and asylum seekers, reflecting their frustration with the influx. "The situation has been chaotic, so much so that you can’t go out onto the street," commented one protester.

The ongoing crisis in Ceuta highlights the complex challenges of managing irregular migration, border security, and the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations, all while navigating significant political and social tensions.