Spain has deployed its military to the North African enclave of Ceuta following a significant influx of migrants overwhelming the border with Morocco. The Spanish government confirmed that at least nine individuals died during the crossings. The Armed Forces will assist the Civil Guard in restoring order, as local officials indicated that the city could not manage the influx. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit Ceuta to address the situation.
This surge is one of the largest since 2021, when over 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta in a short period, leading to a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco. Rachid Sbihi, head of an association representing Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as chaotic, stating that thousands of migrants were crossing.
Authorities reported that bodies were seen in the water as rescue operations continued. Many migrants arrived by swimming around coastal barriers separating Morocco from Spanish territory, with a mix of young men and families among those crossing.
Spanish officials indicated that Morocco is cooperating in efforts to control the border, with Moroccan police intercepting numerous migrants attempting to cross. The Interior Ministry noted that both governments are working to return those who entered illegally as quickly as possible.
While no single cause has been identified for the surge, Ceuta officials have pointed to a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that limits the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea without due process. Some migration advocates have questioned whether this ruling alone could account for the increase, suggesting that many migrants may not have been aware of the decision.
The crisis has implications beyond Spain, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatening to suspend Italy's participation in the Schengen agreement to protect borders and citizens. Ceuta has historically been a significant migration point, with migrants from across Africa attempting to reach the enclave by swimming or scaling the fortified border fence in hopes of entering the European Union.
As of mid-July, nearly 3,000 migrants had entered Ceuta by land or sea this year, prior to the recent spike in crossings.