The Spanish city of Ceuta has come under extreme pressure after a wave of crossings from Morocco that, according to the authorities, reached around 60,000 people within 24 hours. The reported toll also includes at least 57 deaths, while reception facilities are said to have been completely overwhelmed.
Unusual influx in the Spanish enclave
According to the Spanish authorities, Ceuta is facing the most serious migration crisis of the moment, with tens of thousands of people crossing the border within a very short period of time.
Regional president Juan Jesus Vivas said the city is not in a position to cope with such pressure, acknowledging that reception capacity has been stretched beyond its limit.
Dozens of deaths and mass returns
Authorities report at least 57 migrants dead during attempts to enter the Spanish enclave, an indication of the human cost accompanying this wave of movement.
According to the official version, more than 50,000 people were sent back to Morocco on Friday alone, with the rate of removals described as 150 people per minute.
Madrid responds with military deployment and warning of deportations
Spain has deployed its armed forces to reinforce security in Ceuta and in Melilla, where numerous border crossings have also been reported.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that all illegal migrants would be sent back. He described the situation as an “attack” and also announced reinforcement of the border with Morocco.
Spanish government blames traffickers as debate takes on a political tone
According to the Spanish government, the sudden influx was driven by trafficking networks that spread false rumors by misinterpreting a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court.
The ruling in question stated that immediate return does not apply to migrants who arrive illegally by sea. In this tense climate, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered help to Spain.
From the United States, Donald Trump used the situation in Ceuta as a political argument against the Democrats, warning that the same scenes could be repeated in America if they take power.
The crisis in Ceuta is showing not only the pressure on Europe’s southern borders, but also how a humanitarian emergency quickly becomes a political weapon, inside and outside Spain.
Amid the high numbers, the militarization of the border and harsh rhetoric, at the center remains a situation that is worsening with severe human consequences.