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Migrants breach border from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta enclave in mass crossing

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Thousands of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming border fences and police.
  • The mass crossing, reminiscent of a 2021 event, has led to local businesses closing amid fears of unrest.
  • Spain's government faces criticism from right-wing parties who blame its pro-migrant stance for exacerbating the crisis.

Migrants have breached the border into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in large numbers, overwhelming police and fences. Video footage showed hundreds swimming from the Moroccan side using inflatable devices, while others broke through a gate. This surge echoes a similar event in May 2021, when approximately 10,000 people entered the enclave.

massively entering from the sea

— Guardia Civil spokespersonThis quote describes the method and scale of the migrant entry.

The influx has caused significant disruption in Ceuta, with many local businesses shuttering due to fears of unrest. Shop owners are reportedly organizing to protect their property and families, citing concerns about insufficient police resources. The situation has created a tense atmosphere in the city, which, along with Melilla, forms the European Union's only land border with Africa.

I'm not opening this afternoon because the situation is extremely tense ... The first thing I have to do is protect my business and my family.

— Enrique Serrano, women's clothing store ownerThis quote illustrates the fear and economic impact on local businesses in Ceuta.

Spain's socialist government, known for its pro-migrant policies, recently launched a program to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants. This initiative has drawn criticism from right-wing parties, who argue it encourages further migration and have blamed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for the crisis in Ceuta. The government is reportedly seeking a state of emergency to manage the situation.

Long live Spain

— MigrantsThis chant was heard from some migrants as they entered the territory, indicating their aspirations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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