Ceuta woke up this Wednesday pending, once again, its border. A notice spread in recent days through social networks warned of a possible new entry coinciding with election day in Morocco. The authorities had reinforced from the first hour the two points considered most sensitive: the Tarajal border crossing and the Benzú area.
The extensive police and military device deployed on the Spanish side, together with the camps set up preventively by the Moroccan forces on the other side of the fence, fulfilled its objective. During the entire day there was no significant attempt to access the city and the border remained calm. But while all eyes were on the line that separates Ceuta from Morocco, a few meters away another scene was taking place that shows the consequences of the massive entry at the end of July.
Around 10:15 a.m., several units of the National Police supervised the eviction and removal of part of the shanties built in the Tarajal industrial estate. The precarious constructions had occupied a particularly sensitive area, along with electricity supply installations and high-tension cables that supply the border itself. "We do it not only because of the risk that the infrastructure may suffer, but also for the safety of the immigrants themselves," explained one of the agents while the cleaning services removed wood, cardboard and plastics with the help of the immigrants themselves who once again built the shacks a few meters away and out of danger.
The performance passed without incident. However, the absence of new accesses does not mean that Ceuta has recovered normality. Almost two months after the massive entry, its consequences are still visible in neighborhoods, beaches and mountain areas where thousands of immigrants remain.
Samir, who is just over 30 years old, lives on Trampolín beach. Like many others, he tries to earn some income with small jobs. "I paint, I fix walls, I do small works...", he explains. Any order works. «I'd rather earn 20 euros a day and be busy than sit on the beach and do nothing. Neither contribute nor win. He knows that these jobs are part of an underground economy where immigrant labor is paid well below usual prices, but for him it is a way to survive while waiting for an exit.
It is not the only illegal activity that is perceived in areas where the immigrant population is concentrated. During the day, young women, some apparently minors, wearing makeup and dressed in clean clothes, can be seen approaching or talking to groups of men and, in some cases, later getting into vehicles. A scene that local residents relate to prostitution situations.
“Here everyone survives as best they can,” summarizes Bilal, 27 years old. In his case, from time to time he receives 50 euros that his brother sends him from Holland. "That will last me about 10 or 15 days." The rest depends, fundamentally, on humanitarian aid. Bilal assures that the food they receive is not always enough. Yesterday, the bag distributed by the Red Cross contained bread, ratatouille, rice, juice, yogurt, cookies and water. But the rations were not enough for everyone either. In the afternoon, when the National Police informed those still waiting that there were no more bags of food left, there was one of the few moments of tension of the day. In the line reserved for women and children, shouts against the authorities began. The officers intervened quickly and cleared the area without any further altercations.
It was the contrast of a seemingly calm day. While the border remained armored and without new entry attempts, within Ceuta the pressure caused by those who arrived almost two months ago continues. The city thus coexists with a fragile calm, where small episodes can trigger moments of tension. "This cannot continue like this," a neighbor lamented yesterday. Almost two months after July 30, Ceuta continues to look towards the border, but also towards everything it caused in its own streets.
