At least 60 people have died after tens of thousands of migrants attempted to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in what has become one of the largest mass border crossings in Spain’s history.
Spanish authorities said up to 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta within 24 hours, overwhelming local security and emergency services and triggering a humanitarian and political crisis in the North African enclave.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who visited Ceuta on Friday, described the unprecedented influx as “a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity” and pledged that his government would use every available resource to restore order and guarantee the safety of residents.
Sánchez blamed human trafficking networks for orchestrating the crossings, saying they exploited a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court that prevents the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the country’s other North African enclave, Melilla.
“That has spread like wildfire during these last few hours through the networks of mafias that traffic in human beings and has produced an avalanche of the characteristics and dimension that we experienced yesterday,” Sánchez said.
The Spanish government announced plans to establish a temporary reception centre where newly arrived migrants will be registered, documented, medically assessed and processed before those without legal grounds to remain in Spain are returned.
Authorities also plan to install a visible buoy barrier near the Tarajal beach breakwater to reinforce the maritime border while complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Spain’s Interior Ministry said more than 37,500 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco by Friday afternoon, while additional police officers and military personnel were deployed to the enclave to strengthen security.
The crisis has also sparked reactions across Europe.
Italy announced a one month suspension of Schengen border free travel arrangements with Spain, requiring travellers moving by air or sea between the two countries to present passports. Italian authorities also agreed with France to tighten border controls to prevent undocumented migrants from crossing into Italy.
The move triggered diplomatic tensions after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested Spain’s migrant regularisation policies had encouraged human trafficking.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned Italy’s ambassador, describing Tajani’s remarks as inappropriate and accusing Italy of engaging in partisan political rhetoric.
The European Commission clarified that Ceuta and Melilla operate under special Schengen rules that prevent migrants arriving there from travelling freely into the wider Schengen area.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner described the situation in Ceuta as “unacceptable” and said he remained in close contact with Spanish authorities.
Ireland also expressed support for Spain, with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirming he had spoken with Spain’s Interior Minister and requested an emergency meeting of the European Union’s Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism.
Moroccan officials blamed organised criminal networks for coordinating the mass crossings and insisted that cooperation between Morocco and Spain remained strong.
Meanwhile, Rachid Sbihi, head of an association representing Spain’s Guardia Civil officers, described conditions inside Ceuta as a serious humanitarian emergency.
He said thousands of migrants, including women and unaccompanied children, were sleeping in parks and on pavements after arriving in the enclave without access to adequate shelter.
Authorities said many of the victims died after drowning while attempting the dangerous sea crossing, while others were killed in a crush near the border fence at Tarajal beach.
The latest influx far exceeds the previous record crossing in May 2021, when around 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta over two days following a temporary relaxation of border controls by Morocco.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
