Spain Affirms Ongoing Police Cooperation with Morocco Amid Migrant Crisis

"The crisis with Morocco has not led to any suspension of cooperation between our two countries," said Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Spanish Minister of the Interior, in response to the remarks of deputy Ignacio Gil Lázaro from the far-right party Vox who denounced the "invasion" of Moroccan migrants in Ceuta. "You even go so far as to attack on social networks, Luna, the Red Cross volunteer who kissed and comforted a migrant, simply because she defended values that make us all better," deplored Grande-Marlaska in his response, adding that the State continues to ensure the defense of borders and the rights of all. Grande-Marlaska, also deploring the "bad joke" of Vox on social networks, asked Gil Lázaro "to broaden his sources of information" and to stop taking advantage of any situation to "criticize the government".

ERC deputy María Carvalho Dantas, for her part, questioned the government about the police "violence" suffered by migrants in general and the lack of protection for unaccompanied minor migrants who arrived in large numbers in Ceuta. In his response, Grande-Marlaska reassured that the Ceuta police have been reinforced and that a "mechanism for the immediate return of persons who do not have the right to asylum" has been put in place for the benefit of minors and vulnerable groups.

This "rapid, coordinated, effective and energetic action for the defense of our borders and the democratic values and rights of all," was felt on the occasion of the rescue of a baby by a Civil Guard diver, stressed Grande-Marlaska, assuring that "everyone in this room, except Vox, recognizes the work done by the State security forces and bodies, the armed forces, the Red Cross and civil organizations for the defense of borders and rights."