Spain Reinforces Ceuta After Mass Migrant Crossings From Morocco

Spain on Thursday deployed military units to support police in the North African enclave of Ceuta as thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco by land and sea. Authorities also moved to secure another nearby Spanish enclave to prevent further crossings. 

Spain’s state broadcaster TVE reported that between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered Ceuta on Thursday, although Reuters was unable to independently verify the figure.

Video footage showed hundreds of migrants swimming or floating on inner tubes from the Moroccan side, and others breaking through a gate on land and running into the city.

Moroccan authorities used water cannons in Fnideq to stop migrants from crossing into Ceuta, while clashes were reported at the Beni Ansar border crossing in Melilla. At least three vehicles were burned and several migrants and security personnel were injured. 

Nine bodies were recovered in Ceuta on Thursday, adding to around 60 migrant deaths in recent months. Spain deployed 200 police officers and 60 troops to reinforce security in Ceuta, as more migrants continued heading north through Morocco. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation.

Shops Shut, Political Tensions Rise

Many shops in Ceuta remained closed as business owners feared unrest and doubted police could contain the situation. One shopkeeper said hundreds of migrants crossed the border within minutes early Thursday. 

As Ceuta’s local government sought a state of emergency, Spain’s pro-migrant policies came under renewed criticism, with conservative leaders blaming Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for the crisis and calling it a national security emergency. Italy’s foreign minister also described Spain’s migration policy as “misguided.”

Court Ruling

Spanish authorities said the migrant surge followed a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea, arguing criminal networks exploited the decision. The government said it was working with Morocco to curb crossings, while refugee officials said those arriving in Ceuta included Moroccan and sub-Saharan migrants, including families.

(With inputs from Reuters)