Thousands of migrants have entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past 24 hours
About 49,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours, officials estimated on Friday, in one of the largest single-day influxes recorded at the enclave.
Videos and images showed thousands swimming into the city on Thursday, with local media reporting that crossings continued overnight. Officials said at least 18 people died while attempting to reach the territory in recent days.
The figure, according to Spanish officials, represents more than half of Ceuta’s population of around 83,600. At least 7,000 of those who entered were minors. Smaller numbers, between 300 and 400, were also reported in the sister enclave of Melilla.
Spain deployed armed forces to reinforce security in both territories after border controls appeared to break down amid chaotic scenes. The interior ministry said it was working with Morocco to return those who crossed illegally “as soon as possible.”
The surge followed a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco. Officials linked the mass movement in part to people-smuggling networks exploiting the decision.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was due to visit Ceuta on Friday with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The European Commission offered assistance through the Frontex border agency.
If confirmed, the numbers would far exceed the more than 10,000 people who entered Ceuta during a previous crisis in May 2021.
Angel Network News (ANN) will continue to monitor developments as regional authorities react to the situation.
