Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 6: US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Spain over the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, accusing Madrid of having “ZERO control” of its border and warning that the country could become “a ruined country”.
“So sad what is happening in Spain, a country with ZERO control of its Border. WOW!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.
His remarks followed a mass influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the North African coast, in July. Tens of thousands of people crossed into the enclave by swimming, scaling fences or rushing through border areas, overwhelming local security forces and public services.
Trump had earlier criticised Spain’s handling of the crisis during an interview with British broadcaster GB News, saying, “Spain will be a ruined country” and describing the migrant influx as an “invasion of a country”.
“You know, you don't have thousands of people just bum-rushing your country. I've never seen anything like it,” Trump said, while comparing the situation with migration pressures facing Britain.
Spanish authorities said a large majority of those who entered Ceuta subsequently returned or were repatriated to Morocco, although thousands remained in the enclave. The influx placed significant pressure on accommodation, healthcare and other public services.
The crisis has also raised questions over the role of Moroccan security forces in the border breach. A Spanish police report reportedly pointed to unusual passivity by Moroccan authorities during the incident, while allegations have emerged that some migrants were directed towards the border.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected suggestions that Morocco orchestrated the crossing. He said there was no solid evidence from Spanish diplomatic services, the European Commission or any international organisation proving that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
“I can assure you that no institution — neither the diplomatic service, nor the European Commission, nor any international body — has provided the Spanish government with solid evidence that Morocco planned or carried out the incident. None,” Sánchez told lawmakers.
Morocco has also rejected accusations that it deliberately facilitated the influx.
The crisis has intensified political pressure on Sánchez, with protests reported in Ceuta and criticism from opposition parties over the government’s handling of migration and border security.
Spain has sought greater assistance from the European Union to deal with the situation. The European Commission has said it is assessing Madrid’s requests, while indicating that some questions still need to be answered by Spanish authorities before a final decision is taken.
The Spanish government has also announced additional measures to strengthen security and migrant reception facilities in Ceuta, amid concerns over the pressure placed on the small enclave.
Trump’s criticism comes amid wider disagreements between Madrid and Washington, including Spain’s position on NATO defence spending. Spain has resisted Trump’s proposed target of spending five per cent of GDP on defence, adding another source of friction between the two governments.
With pressure mounting on Sánchez at home, the Ceuta crisis has become both a major migration and security challenge for Spain and a political flashpoint involving Madrid, Rabat, Brussels and Washington.