Spain’s government representative in the North African enclave of Ceuta resigned on Monday following weeks of pressure over the handling of a migration crisis that saw more than 72,000 people cross from Morocco in late July.
Miguel Angel Perez Triano, who coordinated relations between Ceuta’s local authorities and Spanish state agencies, cited personal reasons for his departure, saying sustained criticism and harassment directed at him and his family had made his position untenable.
The mass arrivals overwhelmed reception facilities in Ceuta, one of the European Union’s two land border territories in Africa, and triggered a political controversy over the response of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s minority government.
Although most of the migrants have since left the enclave, thousands remain, placing continued pressure on local authorities and accommodation facilities.
Perez Triano defended his management of the crisis, saying he and his family had faced threats and insults. He also described an incident in which someone left a funeral wreath outside his office.
He said his family should not have to endure further harassment because of his decision to remain in public office.
The outgoing official maintained that his office had no operational authority over border controls or security forces. He also said the information available before the crisis had not indicated that such a large number of migrants would enter Ceuta.
Madrid has similarly acknowledged receiving warnings about possible border crossings while maintaining that none suggested an influx on the scale witnessed in late July.
Spain’s High Court is investigating the events surrounding the crisis and is expected to hear testimony this week from Perez Triano’s former chief of staff.
The resignation comes as authorities continue efforts to accommodate migrants who remain in the enclave.
Speaking to Cope radio on Monday, Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres estimated that as many as 3,500 migrants were still living outside Ceuta’s official reception facilities.
