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34 killed as 60,000 migrants rush from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta enclave
At least 34 migrants died in a mass crossing from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. While Spain returned 25,000 people, EU leaders deemed the border violation unacceptable.
A mass influx of migrants from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta triggered a serious crisis at the European Union's only land border with Africa. Officials said around 60,000 people crossed the border by land and sea in the last 24 hours. Regional President Juan Jesus Vivas confirmed that at least 34 migrants lost their lives during the crossings.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta on Friday to assess the situation. Sanchez described the mass crossings as a “violation of Spain's sovereignty.” Spain's Interior Ministry reported that as of Friday, around 25,000 people had been returned from Ceuta to Morocco.
The head of the Civil Guard union in Ceuta, Rachid Sbihi, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.” Sbihi stated that most of the dead had drowned, while some died in a crush while trying to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach. He said that migrants, including thousands of unaccompanied children, were staying on the streets.
Border Clashes and Tension
Moroccan authorities deployed water cannon vehicles at Ceuta's border gates to push back the crowd. The burnt-out remains of a bus and seven cars were seen after clashes in the area. Footage recorded on Thursday showed the crowd, mostly young Moroccan men, advancing over the breakwaters.
Court Ruling and Mafia Allegations
Authorities attributed the sudden surge in crossings to a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court this month. The ruling prevented the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea without due process. Prime Minister Sanchez suggested that the influx was caused by human trafficking mafias spreading rumors about the court ruling. In discussions with Moroccan officials, he said that mafias interpreted the ruling in their own way and that this interpretation “spread like wildfire.” Activists in Morocco, however, were skeptical that the increase was related to the court ruling.
EU Reactions and Schengen Threat
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the images from Ceuta as “unacceptable.” In a social media statement, she stressed that the dangerous crossings must stop immediately and the smuggling networks must be dismantled.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he welcomed Spain's intention not to allow undocumented migrants to cross to the European mainland. France announced it had immediately increased controls on its border with Spain and was ready to assist through Frontex.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, however, threatened to suspend the open-border Schengen agreement with Spain “to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens,” even though Italy does not share a land border with Spain.
Ceuta Regional President Vivas called on the national government to declare a state of emergency on national security grounds and to deploy more forces to the border.
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