Authorities deploy troops while hundreds more enter amid escalating humanitarian crisis
CEUTA: At least 18 migrants have died after large crowds attempted to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, prompting Spanish authorities to declare a humanitarian emergency and reinforce border security.
According to local officials, many of the victims drowned while others died during a stampede near the Tarajal beach breakwater as thousands attempted to enter the North African territory. Rachid Sbihi, who heads a workers’ association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.”
Regional President Jesús Vivas declared an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency” and appealed to Spain’s central government for additional support, including military assistance to restore order along the border.
Spain’s Interior Ministry declined to declare a national emergency, saying migration crises do not fall under that legal framework. However, it announced that 60 military personnel would be deployed to reinforce border security.
Hundreds continue crossing into enclave
Officials said hundreds more migrants crossed into Ceuta overnight, following reports that between 1,500 and 2,000 people had entered the enclave over the previous 10 days.
Videos from the scene showed groups arriving by sea on inflatable devices, while others climbed border fences or crossed via the breakwater. Migrant rights activists compared the latest influx to the large-scale crossing into Ceuta in 2021.
Authorities coordinate response with Morocco
Spain’s Interior Ministry said it is working closely with Moroccan authorities to manage the surge, accusing human-smuggling networks of exploiting a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling involving migrants intercepted at sea.
Earlier this month, the court ruled that migrants attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla by sea cannot automatically be returned to Morocco.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit Ceuta to assess the situation and oversee the government’s response.
Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla remain the European Union’s only land borders with Africa and frequently experience increased migration attempts by people seeking entry into Europe.
