Authorities estimate that about 49,000 migrants entered the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over a 24-hour period. Many crossed by land and sea, with footage showing thousands swimming into the city on Thursday.
Local media indicated that crossings continued overnight, prompting Spain to deploy armed forces to strengthen security in Ceuta and the neighboring enclave of Melilla, where 300 to 400 crossings were also reported.
Casualties and Demographics
Officials confirmed that at least 18 people have died in recent days while attempting to reach Ceuta. Among those who crossed illegally in the last day, approximately 7,000 are minors.
Government Response
- Spain's Interior Ministry is collaborating with Moroccan authorities to facilitate the prompt return of migrants who entered illegally.
- The surge follows a Supreme Court ruling barring the summary return of migrants intercepted at sea near Ceuta or Melilla.
- Local officials had sought assistance from Madrid amid rising crossing attempts, but border controls experienced significant disruptions.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Ceuta to assess the situation.
The influx represents more than half the population of Ceuta, which has about 83,600 residents. If confirmed, this would be the largest single-day migrant entry since May 2021, when over 10,000 migrants arrived.
