Spain has deployed troops to its North African enclave of Ceuta after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from neighbouring Morocco in what authorities have described as an unprecedented border crisis.
Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas said approximately 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave within 24 hours, adding that at least 34 people died while attempting the dangerous crossing.
The surge follows a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court stating that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the nearby enclave of Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the mass crossings as an “attack” on the country’s territorial integrity, saying the government is working closely with Moroccan authorities to return those who entered illegally as quickly as possible.
Several European leaders have expressed concern over the situation, with the United Kingdom and France offering support to Spain as it seeks to strengthen border security.
Videos circulating online showed thousands of migrants swimming into Ceuta after border controls were overwhelmed. Local officials said the influx is equivalent to nearly 70 percent of the enclave’s population of about 83,600, placing immense pressure on public services and security.
Authorities have also reinforced security in the neighbouring Spanish enclave of Melilla, where between 300 and 400 migrants reportedly crossed overnight.
During a visit to Ceuta, Prime Minister Sánchez accused criminal networks of exploiting the Supreme Court’s ruling by spreading misinformation that encouraged thousands of people to attempt the crossing.
The Spanish government said it will continue working with Morocco to restore order and strengthen border controls as efforts to manage the humanitarian and security crisis continue.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories located on Morocco’s northern coast, have long served as key entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
