In a recent surge, over 1,500 migrants, predominantly Moroccans with some Algerians, attempted to swim from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This sudden influx overwhelmed border security and emergency services.
Juan Jesus Vivas, the head of Ceuta's government, confirmed that in just a few days, more than 1,500 migrants, including adults and minors, arrived by sea. He described the reception centres as "collapsed and saturated." Spanish authorities, including the Civil Guard, maritime Rescue Services, and the Red Cross, rescued approximately 117 migrants from the water.
Moroccan officials also intercepted dozens of migrants in the water before they reached Spanish territory. Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, described the situation as "extraordinary" and praised the close cooperation with Moroccan authorities, emphasizing a strong and loyal partnership.
The motivation behind this mass attempt remains unclear. Activists note that most migrants were Moroccans living in Morocco, joined by some Algerians, all aiming to reach Europe. The recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling, which prohibits immediate pushbacks of sea arrivals without due process, is unlikely to have influenced the migrants’ decisions, according to local activists.
This event contrasts with the overall decrease in migrant arrivals to Spain’s Mediterranean enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, this year, as many migrants have chosen alternative routes such as the Canary Islands.
