A migrant surge has led to around 49,000 migrants crossing into Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco within the past 24 hours, according to estimates by Spanish officials.
Videos and images showed thousands of people swimming into Ceuta on Thursday, while local media reported that crossings continued overnight.
At least 18 people have died in recent days while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave, officials said.
The developments follow a ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court earlier this month that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
Spain deploys troops to border
Ceuta, located on Morocco’s northern coast, is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar and has long been a key route for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Local authorities had requested additional support from Madrid following a rise in attempted crossings. However, border controls appeared to collapse on Thursday as large groups reached the territory.
The number of arrivals estimated by Spanish officials represents more than half of Ceuta’s population, which stands at around 83,600 people.
Spain later deployed armed forces to reinforce security in Ceuta and neighbouring Melilla, where between 300 and 400 crossings were also reported overnight.
Minors among those arriving
Many of those who crossed from Morocco were young men, although women, children and babies were also among the groups arriving.
Officials estimate that at least 7,000 minors entered the territory illegally in the past 24 hours.
Migrants usually attempt to reach Ceuta by swimming several kilometres along the coast. However, on this occasion, many appeared to have reached the border area with little resistance before entering by sea and land routes.
It remains unclear why Moroccan border authorities were unable to prevent the crossings.
Diplomatic tensions grow
Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s only land borders with Africa and have long been disputed points in relations between Madrid and Rabat.
Spain considers both territories integral parts of its national territory, while Morocco claims sovereignty over them.
The latest arrivals have revived tensions linked to migration management and border security.
Spain’s Interior Ministry said it was working with Moroccan authorities to return those who entered illegally “as soon as possible”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday.
European reactions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the scenes in Ceuta as “shocking” and said uncontrolled migration represented a security challenge for Europe.
She suggested Italy could consider suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain, although officials later clarified that the proposal referred specifically to border controls between Italy and Spain.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticised the comments, saying Spain expected European solidarity rather than political criticism from partners.
Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen also supported calls for stronger border controls, arguing that Spain had failed to adequately protect its external border.
Also read: Migration crisis in Ceuta leaves 18 dead as troops deployed
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