Spain has been thrown into a major migration crisis after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, in one of the largest sudden border movements recorded in recent years.
Ceuta’s regional president estimated that about 60,000 people entered the territory within 24 hours, a number equal to nearly 70 per cent of the city’s normal population.
However, Spain’s Interior Ministry gave a lower estimate, putting the figure between 49,000 and 50,000 migrants who crossed by land and sea routes.
The mass movement overwhelmed border facilities and emergency services, forcing Spanish authorities to deploy military personnel and additional police officers to restore order.
At least 41 people were reported to have died while attempting the dangerous journey, with many others rescued or treated after crossing through the Mediterranean waters or scaling border barriers.
Spanish officials said thousands of migrants, including many from sub-Saharan Africa and other regions, entered Ceuta after being encouraged by false information spread by human-trafficking networks.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused criminal organisations of exploiting migrants by spreading misinformation about easier access to Europe.
Sánchez said Spain was working closely with Moroccan authorities to return those who crossed illegally, while calling for stronger cooperation to prevent future mass crossings.
The Spanish government confirmed that a significant number of migrants had already returned voluntarily to Morocco, with repatriation efforts continuing.
The latest crisis has renewed debate within the European Union over migration management, border security and cooperation with North African countries, particularly Morocco, which remains a key partner in controlling migration routes into Europe.
Ceuta and nearby Melilla have long been flashpoints for migration because they represent the European Union’s only land borders with Africa, making them attractive entry points for migrants seeking access to Europe.
