Spain and Morocco have strengthened the border fence of a Spanish enclave to prevent mass crossings after a significant influx of people arrived by sea and land. Reports indicate that at least 57 individuals have died following the arrival of around 60,000 individuals into Ceuta over the past few days, as stated by Juan Jesus Vivas, the leader of the Spanish enclave in North Africa. By 6 p.m. local time on Friday, approximately 48,300 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry.
The sudden surge of migrants into Ceuta, a small Spanish-held peninsula extending into the Mediterranean from Morocco, has caused concern and discord in Europe. France announced increased border checks with Spain, while Italy threatened to suspend Spain from the European Union’s internal open border scheme. At the entrance to Ceuta, Moroccan authorities employed water cannon trucks, batons, and tear gas to push back individuals attempting to cross the border and prevent further incursions.
Despite some legal restrictions, Spanish authorities vowed to expedite the expulsion of those who entered the enclave illegally. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the mass crossings as a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty and urged Morocco to intensify efforts to curb the flow of people. Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern Morocco, are the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. These cities, each with a population of around 85,000, often witness surges in attempted crossings by migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Factors contributing to the recent surge may include a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court, which limits the immediate expulsion of migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla under special rules. Most migrants attempting to reach Ceuta swim approximately five kilometers from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, while others try to cross from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.
Despite reinforced security measures on the Moroccan side, groups of migrants have sought alternative routes to bypass the border fence. Migration remains a contentious issue in Europe, with right-wing parties gaining traction since the 2015 crisis when over a million individuals crossed the continent, primarily on foot, seeking asylum, many fleeing conflict in Syria.
Various European countries have responded to the situation, with France increasing police presence on its border with Spain and Germany supporting Spain’s efforts to prevent illegal migrant entry onto the European mainland. Italy’s Prime Minister expressed readiness to take extraordinary measures to defend borders, even suggesting the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain if necessary. The issue has also attracted attention in the United States, with President Donald Trump likening the Ceuta crossings to an invasion.
While Spain maintains its stance on illegal crossings, emphasizing the economic contributions of immigrants supported by long-term data, the situation has sparked criticism and debate among European nations. Italy’s Foreign Minister criticized Spain’s citizenship grant to irregular immigrants, labeling it as encouraging human trafficking, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
