At least 18 die as thousands of migrants reach Spain’s African enclave of Ceuta

Spain is confronting a significant migration crisis after at least 18 people died and an estimated 49,000 migrants entered the North African enclave of Ceuta within a 24-hour period. This influx dramatically surpasses the 10,000 who entered during a similar crisis in 2021. Migrants reportedly swam or walked into the territory, overwhelming its population of approximately 85,000. The Spanish interior ministry confirmed the massive scale of the crossing, which occurred amid heightened tensions between Spain and Morocco following Spain's decision to allow a Western Sahara independence leader to receive COVID-19 treatment.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is en route to Ceuta to assess the situation. Meanwhile, Spanish opposition parties have strongly criticized the government's handling of the crisis. The People's party (PP) leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, described Ceuta as an "occupied city" and urged Sánchez to "defend our national security, our territorial integrity, and our coexistence." He argued that the current military and police reinforcements are inadequate and that the prime minister possesses the necessary means to act decisively. The far-right Vox party has labeled the influx an "invasion."

The mass arrival highlights the ongoing challenges Spain faces with irregular migration from North Africa. The situation in Ceuta, a Spanish city on the Moroccan coast, remains tense as authorities grapple with the sheer number of arrivals and the humanitarian implications. The crisis also raises questions about the broader implications for the European Union's border management and migration policies.

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People have continued to arrive in Ceuta throughout the night, and those on the ground describe an occupied city, with nothing sufficient being done to prevent it. In Melilla, too, around 400 irregulars have entered. I insist that Sánchez must defend our national security, our territorial integrity, and our coexistence. As prime minister, he has instruments and means at his disposal, and all that remains is for him to give the orders. As serious as what is happening is the fact that the Government is reacting with this weakness. All of Spain stands with Ceuta and Melilla.