18 die as thousands of asylum seekers storm Spanish exclave; Dutch politicians shocked

Thousands of asylum seekers stormed the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in Morocco on Thursday, reaching the exclave by swimming, boat, or climbing over fences. At least 18 people have died, NOS reports. Dutch politicians responded with shock to the images.

It mainly concerns children and teenagers from Morocco and other African countries. From the Moroccan coastal town of Fnideq, they are attempting to make the crossing to Ceuta, which belongs to Spain and is therefore part of the European Union. They hope to obtain asylum and a residency permit that will allow them to travel further through the EU.

Last night, it became clear that asylum seekers were also attempting to reach Melilla, the other Spanish exclave in Morocco. Spain has closed the border crossing there and ordered residents to avoid the area.

Several, mostly right-wing Dutch politicians responded on X.

Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz called the images from the Spanish enclave “unacceptable.” She said on X that “swift and firm” action is needed and that the borders must be secured and protected. “Watching illegal migrants flood into Europe is not an option,” the VVD politician said.

Right-wing parliamentarian Mona Keijzer also condemned the situation on X, and brought it back to the much-contested Asylum Distribution Law, which obliges Dutch municipalities to take in a fair share of asylum seekers. "How will this turn out? As far as I am concerned, certainly not in our villages and cities via the distribution law. Let's hope the Cabinet realizes that men from safe countries like Morocco must return and not get everything for free."

Far-right PVV leader Geert Wilders called it an “Islamic invasion.”