Spain Reinforces Ceuta Border After Migrant Surge from Morocco

Spain has deployed additional police and military personnel to its North African enclave of Ceuta after an unprecedented surge of migrants crossed from neighboring Morocco, triggering one of the country’s largest border crises in recent years. According to AP News, Spanish authorities estimate that nearly 49,000 people entered Ceuta by land and sea within 24 hours, while local officials say the total number of arrivals since Thursday could have reached around 60,000, overwhelming the city’s reception facilities and security forces. The humanitarian toll has continued to rise. At least 34 migrants have died attempting to reach Spanish territory, according to local authorities, although some media reports have put the death toll even higher. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Ceuta on Friday, describing the mass crossing as an attack on Spain’s territorial integrity. The government blamed human trafficking networks for encouraging migrants to attempt the dangerous journey by spreading misleading information on social media regarding Spain’s immigration policies and recent court rulings. Moroccan security forces have stepped up efforts to prevent further crossings, using batons and tear gas to disperse crowds gathering near the border. Spain and Morocco are also coordinating the return of thousands of migrants who entered the enclave irregularly. The causes of the sudden influx remain disputed. Spanish officials point to criminal smuggling networks and online rumors that migrants arriving in Ceuta would be allowed to remain in Spain. Some analysts, however, have suggested Morocco may have temporarily relaxed border controls amid broader diplomatic tensions between Rabat and Madrid, though neither government has confirmed such claims. Ceuta and the neighboring Spanish enclave of Melilla form the European Union’s only land borders with Africa and have long been focal points for irregular migration. However, officials say the scale of this week’s crossings is without precedent in recent years, reigniting debate across Europe over border security and migration policy.The post Spain Reinforces Ceuta Border After Migrant Surge from Morocco first appeared on All PYRENEES.