Marlaska also explained that the identification work involving migrants who remain in the autonomous city has now reached “cruising speed.” Although he avoided specifying how many screenings have been completed so far, he said the number was “very significant” and stressed the complexity of the process.
The Interior Ministry has reinforced the operation with more than 100 professionals, including National Police officers, immigration specialists and staff from the Office of Asylum and Refuge. Marlaska defended the position that any expulsion must be carried out in accordance with the law and called for “hoaxes” not to be spread or distrust to be created regarding these procedures.
The special operation deployed in Ceuta will remain in place, at least initially, until December 31, the date set in the decree declaring the situation to be of interest to national security. The minister said that all personnel and resources would remain available to deal with the emergency until then.
Regarding the warnings issued before tens of thousands of migrants entered the city on July 30 and 31, Marlaska reiterated that they were “operational and routine” alerts and maintained that the CNI did not convey any warning directly related to what happened.
He also avoided commenting on the possible resignation of the Government delegate in Ceuta, Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, following the departure of his chief of staff, and described the situation in the autonomous city as “very complex” and one of “exceptional circumstances.”
