Recently, tens of thousands of individuals demonstrated across Spain, voicing strong disapproval of the government’s response to a significant influx of migrants in July. According to authorities, 50,000 protesters gathered in Madrid, expressing anger towards Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as the crisis in Spain’s North African city of Ceuta persists.

Protests were marred by violence which continued for several hours post-demonstration, accompanied by gunfire and explosions throughout Wednesday night.

Government Response and Public Unrest

Spanish authorities increased security in Ceuta, as Morocco monitored for potential further mass crossings. Despite heightened efforts, locals in Ceuta, frustrated by the situation, dismantled and destroyed a migrant encampment by the beach. The protesters carried signs with slogans such as “A united Ceuta will never be defeated,” “Sánchez to prison,” and “Invaders — go home!”

An Ongoing Issue

The migrant problem escalated in late July, with over 70,000 migrants reportedly crossing from Morocco into Spanish territory. Thousands remain within the country. Ceuta’s regional leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, declared the surge a violation of territorial integrity, rather than merely a migration issue.

Political Tensions and Accusations

Following the protests, Ceuta residents took action against migrant shelters, setting them on fire. This occurred amidst clashes with police trying to separate the migrants from the demonstrators, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE.

Prime Minister Sanchez accused Russian and Israeli social media campaigns of exacerbating the crisis, referencing research from the European External Action Service. He suggested misinformation around a Spanish Supreme Court ruling as a catalyst for the migrant surge.

Responses from Russia and Israel were swift. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, dismissed the claims, stressing the lack of concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Sánchez, accusing him of diverting attention away from domestic failings.

This report includes contributions from Efrat Lachter and the Associated Press. Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital, covers national politics and major breaking news.