Spain is facing an unprecedented migration surge after officials estimated around 49,000 people crossed into the North African exclave of Ceuta from Morocco within just 24 hours an influx equal to more than half the city’s population. The crossings took place by land and sea, with videos showing thousands of people swimming into the territory as border controls appeared to collapse.
Authorities also confirmed at least 18 deaths in recent days among those attempting the dangerous journey.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the mass crossings as an “attack” and a “violation,” saying the government is working to return all illegal entrants to Morocco “as soon as possible.” He added that Spain would reinforce its border and that Moroccan authorities were cooperating on repatriations.
The dramatic scenes come shortly after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco a decision that has complicated Spain’s border response.
Local officials had already appealed for help amid rising attempts to breach the frontier, but Thursday saw chaos as thousands entered Ceuta in a matter of hours. Spanish forces were later deployed to stabilise the situation in both Ceuta and Melilla, where 300-400 additional crossings were reported overnight.
Ceuta, located on Morocco’s northern coast and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, has long been a focal point for migrants seeking entry into Europe. The sheer scale of the latest influx underscores the territory’s geopolitical sensitivity. Both Ceuta and Melilla are coveted by Morocco and remain flashpoints in diplomatic relations, though Spain maintains they are integral parts of the nation with the same status as mainland autonomous re
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