Thousands of migrants crossed overnight from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Friday, triggering a fresh migration crisis and prompting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to visit the territory.
According to police sources, about 40,000 migrants have entered Ceuta in recent days, placing enormous pressure on the enclave, which has a population of about 80,000.
In response, the Spanish government has deployed additional troops to strengthen security in the area, while Sánchez and the country’s Interior Minister are expected to assess the situation firsthand at the Tarajal border crossing.
Eyewitnesses said hundreds of migrants, including men, women and children, swam around the border barrier separating Morocco and Ceuta.
Many reportedly discarded flotation devices and clothing after making the dangerous journey.
Authorities confirmed that at least 18 people have died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory.
“There was a steady flow of people throughout the night, and they are still arriving,” a police source said.
The cause of the sudden surge remains unclear.
However, analysts have drawn comparisons with the 2021 migration crisis, when thousands crossed into Ceuta after Morocco temporarily relaxed border controls during a diplomatic dispute with Spain.
The latest influx has also sparked diplomatic tensions across Europe. Italy has called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen free-travel zone, arguing that the situation poses a security concern.
Spain, however, rejected the proposal and summoned the Italian ambassador, accusing Rome of politicising the crisis.
Meanwhile, senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration also referenced the Ceuta situation while reaffirming their administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration.
Ceuta and Melilla remain the European Union’s only land borders with Africa and have long served as key entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Some migrants who successfully crossed into Ceuta were seen celebrating in the streets, thanking Spanish security officers and chanting, “Bye Morocco, hello Spain.”
Although security personnel monitored the situation, many arrivals were directed to migrant reception centres.
Moroccan authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest wave of migration.
However, a Moroccan government source confirmed that officials from both countries are already in talks over the situation.
The development comes five years after more than 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta within two days during a diplomatic standoff between Spain and Morocco over Western Sahara.
The renewed migrant surge is expected to dominate discussions between Spanish and European Union leaders as authorities seek urgent measures to manage the growing humanitarian and security challenges.
