Spain Defends Its Policies on North African Border Immigration

Spain Defends Its Policies on North African Border Immigration
Police stand around a group of African migrants after they crossed the border fence from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, Spain Aug. 1, 2017. Reuters/Jesus Moron
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MADRID—Spain will not tolerate violent attempts to enter the country, the government said on Aug. 29, in response to criticism of its swift return of 116 illegal immigrants to Morocco after they stormed the fence bordering one of its North African enclaves.

The country’s southern shores have become the main gateway into Europe for illegal immigrants seeking a better life, ahead of Italy and Greece, particularly since Italy’s new government began refusing to admit rescue boats.