Aggressive Influx of 49,000 Migrants into Spanish Territory of Ceuta

Authorities have reported that nearly 49,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa from Morocco via sea and land routes within the past 24 hours. On Thursday, videos and photos circulated publicly showing thousands of people swimming toward the city. Local media also reported that people crossed the border into Ceuta throughout the night. Officials have confirmed that at least 18 people have died recently trying to cross the area illegally.

Earlier this month, Spain’s Supreme Court had ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or another Spanish territory, Melilla, cannot be returned immediately to Morocco. As the numbers attempting to enter Spanish territory surged, local authorities requested assistance from Madrid. On Thursday, border control in Ceuta became disorganized, prompting Spain to deploy armed forces to strengthen security in Ceuta and Melilla.

According to estimates from Spanish officials, the number of migrants arriving in Ceuta within 24 hours may exceed half of the city’s total population. Official statistics indicate Ceuta has a population of approximately 83,600 residents. The local administration declared the mass arrival of migrants a “national humanitarian crisis.” The crossing continued into Friday night, and clashes between migrants and police near the border were reported.

Authorities confirmed that among those who illegally entered Ceuta in the last 24 hours, at least 7,000 were minors. Typically, migrants try to reach Ceuta by swimming from areas farther off the coast, but this time many successfully arrived close to the border fence. The number of migrants arriving by swimming had notably increased in recent days.

Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Morocco and is separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar. Officials estimate this recent influx is the highest since May 2021. The diplomatic tensions between Morocco and Spain have escalated again following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s visit to Algeria, which supports the independence of Western Sahara.