FNIDEQ, Morocco/CEUTA, Spain: Migrants who swam or jumped over fences to rush into Spain’s African enclave of Ceuta this week were returning home on Saturday, with many saying hunger, exhaustion and hostility from locals had crushed their hopes of a new life in Europe.
Those heading back told Reuters they had initially been drawn by viral social-media videos and messages from friends suggesting that the heavily guarded border could be breached.
But after reaching Ceuta, many said they found no way to continue onwards to mainland Spain.
“We came to make progress, not to be fooled,” said Brahim, a bakery worker from Fez who left his job and crossed the border after watching clips of thousands doing the same. “I thought I’d build a better future there. But I was surprised in Ceuta.”
Brahim said he survived for three days on water alone and could not afford the high food prices on the Spanish side. “How come a tuna sandwich was being sold for 100 dirhams ($10.75)?“
