**Tens of Thousands Attend Right-Wing Protest Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis**
Madrid, Spain – On Saturday, September 26, 2026, a significant protest took place in the Spanish capital, drawing thousands of demonstrators who expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of irregular migration, particularly in relation to the recent migrant influx into the North African enclave of Ceuta. The protest was organized by the right-wing civil society group Sociedad Civil Espanola and received backing from the mainstream conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party.
According to government estimates, approximately 20,000 people participated in the rally, while organizers claimed the number was as high as 180,000. The demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as "state of siege and deportation now," highlighting their urgent demands for a more stringent approach to border control and migration policy.
The protests were ignited by a significant surge of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July, when over 70,000 individuals crossed the border from Morocco. Although many were subsequently returned, reports indicate that between 6,000 and 10,000 migrants remain stranded in the enclave, leading to accusations against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his government of failing to adequately protect Spain's borders.
Miguel Tellado, the secretary-general of the PP, voiced the sentiments of many protesters, stating that there is a "widespread feeling that the government has not acted responsibly" and described the situation as one of "extreme negligence." He called for Spanish society to mobilize and demand that the government take action to defend the nation's territorial integrity.
The protestors are not only seeking immediate changes to migration policies but are also calling for early elections to be held by mid-November, despite Spain's next general election not being scheduled until August 2027. Vox leader Santiago Abascal went further, demanding that Prime Minister Sanchez be tried for treason, asserting that Ceuta remains "invaded" due to what he perceives as Sanchez's subservience to Morocco.
In response to the crisis, Sanchez has indicated that the Moroccan border control failed to manage the influx effectively and has initiated an investigation into the incident. He has also reached out to the Moroccan government for clarification on their handling of the situation. The Spanish government is reportedly preparing to approve a decree aimed at expediting the return of migrants from Ceuta back to Morocco.
This protest marks the second major demonstration under the "March for Dignity" banner. The first event, held in late May prior to the surge of migrants, attracted around 40,000 participants according to government figures.
As the situation in Ceuta continues to evolve, the Spanish government faces increasing pressure from both the public and political opposition to address the humanitarian crisis and implement effective migration policies.