Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco over the past week, placing increasing pressure on local authorities and humanitarian services.
Ceuta’s regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas, warned that the territory’s resources were becoming overwhelmed and appealed to the Spanish government for urgent assistance.
Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, is expected to visit the enclave on Friday to assess the situation.
Videos circulating on Thursday showed migrants swimming across the coastline using inflatable rings, makeshift flotation devices and life jackets. While others were seen running through a gate in the border fence separating Morocco from the Spanish territory.
Ceuta, located on Morocco’s northern coast, is one of Spain’s two autonomous enclaves in North Africa. It also represents one of the European Union’s only land borders with the African continent.
Although authorities have not confirmed the exact number of arrivals, estimates vary significantly.
Spanish media reported that between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants may have entered Ceuta on Thursday alone. However, the Guardia Civil has yet to verify those figures.
Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE reported that “hundreds” crossed during the day and estimated that more than 1,500 migrants, most of them young Moroccans, have arrived in Ceuta over the past two weeks.
Vivas said the situation had become both a humanitarian and security emergency.
According to RTVE, he revealed that the bodies of 60 people had been recovered at sea in recent months. This underscores the dangers associated with the Mediterranean migration route.
He also warned that reception centres for unaccompanied minors were operating at several times their intended capacity. This has left local authorities struggling to provide adequate care.
Past Comparisons
The latest surge has drawn comparisons with May 2021, when approximately 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta within a matter of days, triggering a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco.
In recent years, Spanish authorities have strengthened border security around Ceuta and Melilla through enhanced surveillance, reinforced barriers and closer cooperation with Moroccan authorities.
Despite these measures, migrants continue to risk dangerous sea crossings and attempts to breach border fences.
