Spain has deployed military personnel to its North African enclave of Ceuta after nearly 50,000 migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco within 24 hours, triggering a major humanitarian and border security crisis.
Spanish authorities confirmed that at least 19 people died during the mass crossing, with many reportedly drowning while others were caught in the chaos as thousands attempted to breach the border.
The deployment followed an appeal from Ceuta’s local authorities for urgent reinforcements after the situation escalated on Thursday, overwhelming security personnel and reception facilities.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was expected to visit Ceuta alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, the government has pledged to restore order, protect the country’s borders, and guarantee the safety of residents, while ruling out declaring a national emergency over the migration crisis.
Thousands of migrants, including women, children, and unaccompanied minors, spent the night sleeping in parks and on sidewalks after entering the enclave, while humanitarian officials described conditions as chaotic.
The head of the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta described the influx as a “serious humanitarian crisis,” noting that security forces were focused on rescue operations and assisting the injured as migrants continued to arrive.
Spanish officials said Morocco was cooperating by preventing additional crossings and intercepting many people attempting to reach the enclave.
The latest surge has reignited concerns over migration across the Mediterranean, drawing reactions from other European leaders and putting renewed pressure on Spain’s border management policies.