Spain has reinforced security in its North African enclave of Ceuta after authorities estimated that about 60,000 migrants entered the territory from Morocco by land and sea within 24 hours, creating one of the largest migration surges in the enclave’s history.
Officials said at least 34 people lost their lives during the dangerous crossings, with many attempting the journey by swimming across coastal waters.
Thousands of others reached the territory after border controls were overwhelmed.
The influx follows a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court which determined that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the neighbouring enclave of Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco without due legal procedures.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the mass arrivals, describing them as an assault on Spain’s territorial integrity.
During a visit to Ceuta, he announced that additional military personnel had been deployed to strengthen security in both Ceuta and Melilla while authorities work with Morocco to repatriate those who entered the territory unlawfully.
According to the Spanish government, criminal smuggling networks exploited the court’s decision by spreading misleading information that encouraged thousands of migrants to attempt the crossing.
Ceuta, situated on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, has a population of roughly 83,600, meaning the estimated number of new arrivals represents more than half of the enclave’s residents.
Authorities also reported between 300 and 400 migrants crossing into Melilla during the same period.
Officials estimate that around 7,000 of the new arrivals are minors, while the majority of those crossing are young men. Women, children and infants were also among the crowds.
Residents described scenes of confusion and fear as emergency services struggled to respond.
Images circulating online showed large groups swimming around coastal barriers and arriving on beaches, while local reports indicated that crossings continued into Friday.
Questions have also been raised over the apparent absence of Moroccan security forces at key crossing points, allowing large numbers of people to approach and pass the border with little resistance.
One migrant who abandoned the journey and returned to Morocco urged others not to attempt the crossing, warning that the route had become deadly and claiming many people had drowned.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories on the African continent since the 15th century, remain longstanding sources of diplomatic tension between Spain and Morocco.
The enclaves constitute the European Union’s only land frontiers with Africa and have frequently served as entry points for migrants seeking access to Europe.
The latest developments have drawn strong reactions across Europe.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labelled the situation a serious security concern and suggested reviewing Schengen travel arrangements involving Spain.
Italy’s foreign ministry later clarified that its proposal related to border measures between the two countries rather than Spain’s overall participation in the Schengen system.
Spain rejected the comments, with its foreign minister accusing Italy of political grandstanding and summoning the Italian ambassador for consultations.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the scenes in Ceuta unacceptable and urged immediate action to halt the crossings.
Finland’s Interior Minister also supported tougher border measures, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Morocco to swiftly readmit migrants who entered Spain illegally.
The previous major migration surge in Ceuta occurred in 2021, when around 8,000 people crossed into the enclave during a diplomatic dispute between Madrid and Rabat over Western Sahara.
The latest crisis has renewed concerns over border security, humanitarian protection and relations between Spain, Morocco and the European Union.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong