By Senhan Bolelli
MADRID (AA) - Four Moroccan migrants with pending asylum claims escaped from a holding area at Madrid's Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport on Thursday, Spanish authorities confirmed.
Local media reported that the migrants fled through a hole in the ceiling, prompting an ongoing police search inside the airport and in surrounding areas.
The escape has drawn criticism from Spain's Interior Ministry and security unions, who highlighted the inadequate security measures at holding facilities.
Airport security personnel have expressed concern about the poor state of the holding areas, labeling the incident a major security lapse.
"This kind of security breach should not occur at a major airport. It poses significant risks, including the possibility of migrants entering restricted areas or runways," one security officer told local press.
Currently, 229 irregular migrants, including women and children, are being held at the airport in four waiting areas, many of them awaiting deportation or asylum decisions.
Among the detainees are 35 Moroccans from the country’s restive Western Sahara region, a group that has ignited political debate within Spain.
While the Interior Ministry is pushing for their deportation to Morocco, several left-wing parties and civil society groups, including government coalition partner Sumar, are advocating for their asylum requests on humanitarian and security grounds.