Spain said it has reversed a massive rush of migrants into its North African enclave of Ceuta, with thousands of people who crossed the border by land and sea already returning voluntarily, after one of the largest migration surges ever recorded at the territory.
According to Reuters, Spain’s Interior Ministry said around 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco since Thursday morning, with officials estimating that about 25,000 had already returned voluntarily by Friday. Local authorities in Ceuta said the total number of people attempting to enter may have been even higher.
Moroccan security forces used batons, tear gas and water cannon to disperse large crowds gathered near the border fences in an effort to prevent further crossings. Spanish military vehicles and security personnel were deployed along the frontier as authorities sought to regain control of the situation.
Juan Jesus Vivas, head of Ceuta’s local government, said dozens of people had died during the chaotic crossings, while Spanish authorities earlier reported that 19 bodies had been recovered from the water. Emergency services continued search and rescue operations along the coastline.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez travelled to Ceuta on Friday, describing the mass crossing as “a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty”. He said Spain and Morocco were working together to accelerate the return of those who entered illegally while restoring order at the border.
Many migrants returning to Morocco told Reuters they had been unable to find food, shelter or assistance after reaching Ceuta. Others said they had abandoned hopes of remaining in the enclave due to the difficult conditions and tightened security.
The unprecedented influx has also exposed divisions within Europe over migration policy. France announced tighter checks along its border with Spain, while Italy warned it could consider extraordinary measures, including suspending aspects of the Schengen Area arrangements with Spain if migration pressures continue.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s autonomous enclaves on the North African coast and represent the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. Although both territories have experienced repeated migration surges over the years, officials said the scale of this week’s crossings was unlike anything previously recorded.
Spanish officials said investigations were continuing into the factors behind the sudden influx, including recent legal changes affecting migrant returns, while Morocco maintained a heavy security presence along its side of the border.
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