About 49,000 migrants enter Spanish territory of Ceuta in 24 hours, officials say
Spanish officials estimate that roughly 49,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the North African enclave of Ceuta within 24 hours, prompting a military deployment.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Approximately 49,000 migrants entered Spain's North African territory of Ceuta within 24 hours.
- At least 18 people died while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave recently.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the crossings as an attack on territorial integrity.
- Spain has deployed armed forces to bolster security in Ceuta and Melilla.
Spanish officials have estimated that approximately 49,000 migrants crossed via land and sea from Morocco into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta over a 24-hour period. Authorities added that at least 18 people have died while attempting to reach the territory in recent days, highlighting the severe dangers of the crossing.
This massive influx follows a ruling this month by Spain's Supreme Court stating that migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco. Videos and photographs depicted thousands of people swimming into the city on Thursday, with local media confirming that crossings persisted through the night.
Ceuta, situated on Morocco's northern coast and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, has long served as a primary focal point for individuals attempting unauthorized entry into Europe. Local officials had previously appealed to Madrid for assistance following a recent spike in attempted crossings, but Thursday saw chaotic scenes as border controls appeared to break down entirely.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The astonishing official estimation implies that the number of migrants who entered Ceuta over the past day accounts for more than half of the city's total population, which stands at approximately 83,600 based on local figures. In response, Spain deployed military forces to reinforce security in Ceuta and its sister city, Melilla, which also registered between 300 and 400 crossings overnight.
As the European Union's only land borders situated on the African continent, Ceuta and Melilla hold unique geopolitical importance and have historically been flashpoints in diplomatic relations between Madrid and Rabat. Diplomatic tensions often fluctuate based on regional disputes, such as Western Sahara sovereignty, echoing previous migration surges like the one witnessed in 2021.
Speaking on Friday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the crossings, characterizing the incident as a direct attack on Spain's territorial integrity. Sánchez announced that the government intends to reinforce the border with Morocco and noted that Moroccan authorities are cooperating with plans to repatriate individuals who entered the territories unlawfully.
"I have nothing there, Morocco is death."
Yassine, a 24-year-old migrant
Yassine, a 24-year-old migrant, told reporters he could not return to Morocco because he had nothing left there. Meanwhile, local media described chaotic streets in Ceuta since Thursday, with residents expressing fear and staying indoors. Officials estimate that at least 7,000 of those who crossed illegally over the past day are minors, part of a crowd that included men, women, children, and infants.
Source: BBC World
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