Spain and Morocco have strengthened the border fence of a Spanish enclave to prevent mass crossings after a significant influx of people by sea and land. According to officials, at least 57 individuals have lost their lives, following the arrival of around 60,000 people in Ceuta over the past few days. By 6 p.m. on Friday, an estimated 48,300 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco as reported by Spain’s Interior Ministry.
The sudden surge of migrants into Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the North African coast, has caused concern and division in Europe. In response, France has announced increased border checks with Spain, while Italy has threatened to suspend Spain from the European Union’s internal open border system.
Moroccan authorities at the gates of Ceuta utilized water cannon trucks, batons, and tear gas to deter more people from storming across the border. Spanish officials have pledged to swiftly expel those who entered illegally, despite a court ruling imposing restrictions on immediate expulsions through special “border rejection” rules.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the mass crossings as a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty and called on Morocco to intensify efforts to control the outflow of people. Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern Morocco, serve as the only land borders between the European Union and Africa, experiencing periodic surges in attempted migrant crossings.
Factors contributing to the recent surge in migrant arrivals include a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court that limits immediate returns of migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla. Migrants attempting to reach Ceuta often swim from the Moroccan towns of Fnideq or Belyounech, with some resorting to alternative routes along the coast.
European countries are mobilizing responses to the situation, with France increasing police presence on its border with Spain and Germany expressing support for measures to prevent illegal migrant entries into mainland Europe. Italy’s Prime Minister has also raised concerns about border security, suggesting potential suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump has criticized the Ceuta crossings, likening them to an invasion and warning of similar scenarios if certain political outcomes are not achieved. Despite the challenges posed by illegal crossings, Spain’s government maintains a firm stance while acknowledging the economic contributions of immigrants and offering avenues for regularization and citizenship to those in need.