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Spain Declares National-Security Command for Ceuta Crisis

The decree names Ángel Víctor Torres as the unified coordinator and places measures covering Ceuta and nearby waters in effect until December 31, 2026.

Overview

  • A mass arrival of migrants on July 30, 2026, that overwhelmed local capacity prompted the government to declare a 'situación de interés para la Seguridad Nacional' and centralize the response.
  • The decree creates a single command led by Minister Ángel Víctor Torres with authority to direct mobilized state resources and set priorities for assistance and security.
  • Measures apply to the city of Ceuta, its land border, border crossings, ports, coasts and adjacent waters where Spain exercises sovereignty or jurisdiction.
  • A crisis committee will include Ceuta’s president, the Government delegate, the CNI and a wide set of national ministries to coordinate humanitarian aid, border control, essential services and international support.
  • The declaration runs through December 31, 2026, can be extended or modified by the prime minister, and keeps legal competences with local authorities while increasing state-level coordination.