Spain to Migrants: 'Don't Risk Your Lives—You Will Be Sent Back'

Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has issued a stark warning to migrants considering crossing into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla from Morocco: "Don't risk your lives, your future, or your money. Those who enter Ceuta and Melilla will be returned." Speaking Tuesday during his visit to Ceuta—the first ever by a Spanish foreign minister—Albares described the city as "the most complex border in all of Europe." He said migrants would not reach mainland Spain or the European continent and would not be allowed to stay indefinitely in the enclaves. Albares praised Morocco's cooperation during the border crisis, avoiding any criticism of the Moroccan government. "I speak with my counterpart every day. We have found the best willingness for the immediate return of thousands of people. That diplomatic work has made it possible to overcome the most acute phase of the crisis," he said. The minister also dismissed criticism from Italy as "frivolous" and complained about "false rumors" spread for "internal political" reasons by the government of Giorgia Meloni. Spain has applied the same measure Italy took against Spain since last Saturday: identity checks for travelers—including passports—and visas or residence permits for nationals of third countries. As of Monday, 1,033 passengers on 58 flights had been identified. Albares emphasized that no one who entered Ceuta has reached the mainland "nor can they" due to a "double border control filter." He added that he tells his European colleagues that Ceuta and Melilla "guarantee the integrity of the Schengen area." He said Spain and the enclaves receive "mostly" European support, solidarity, and involvement, while criticizing the "confrontation" and "disinformation" practiced by "some."