In response to a significant influx of migrants at the border of the North African exclave of Ceuta, Spain has decided to deploy soldiers to support the overwhelmed police force, as announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s office on Thursday evening. Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday. Reports indicate that after more than a thousand individuals reached the Spanish side last week by swimming, several thousand more attempted the perilous journey on Thursday, with estimates from RTVE suggesting between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants. Additionally, news agency EFE reported that some migrants climbed over the border fence. Tragically, within a span of 24 hours, ten bodies were recovered from the sea, highlighting the severe dangers faced by those attempting to cross.
Juan Jesús Vivas, the regional president of Ceuta, has called for the imposition of a national emergency and the deployment of military personnel to address the crisis. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the Popular Party described the situation as a “national security crisis” and has urged the government to take decisive action. In response to the situation, the European Union has offered assistance through the border protection agency Frontex.
Quick Repatriation of Migrants Planned
Morocco has attributed the migrant surge to “criminal organizations” and emphasized that cooperation with Spain on migration issues has been exemplary, according to diplomatic sources cited by Europa Press. Both governments have reportedly agreed to expedite the repatriation of migrants who have illegally entered Spain. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior confirmed that they are maintaining close contact with Moroccan authorities regarding this matter. Historically, Morocco has used migrants as a political leverage against Spain, as seen in May 2021 when over 8,000 Moroccans surged into Ceuta. However, this time, Moroccan security forces have actively worked to prevent migrants from crossing.
A potential trigger for the recent surge appears to be a ruling from the Spanish Supreme Court, which prohibits security forces from immediately returning migrants to Morocco upon their arrival by sea in the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Such “hot” deportations, as they are known in Spain, are only permissible if migrants have breached the border barriers, which consist of towering fences. In recent years, large groups of African migrants have attempted to cross these barriers.
Ceuta's only reception center, housing a population of over 80,000 residents, has been overcrowded for days, leaving migrants to wander the streets in soaked clothing, often sleeping in public areas. Disturbing images have surfaced showing individuals in the water clinging to flotation devices, including women and children. Many migrants spend three to four hours at sea before being rescued or managing to reach Ceuta with their last reserves of strength, but not all succeed. As of Thursday, the death toll of those drowning at the border in 2026 has risen to 38.
As reported by faz.net.
