Madrid, Aug. 1 (V7N) – Spain is grappling with a major migration crisis after an estimated 60,000 people from Morocco entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta within a single day, prompting authorities to tighten border security and accelerate the return of irregular migrants.
Spanish authorities say the surge was fuelled in part by a recent Supreme Court ruling that prevents migrants who reach Spain by sea from being immediately returned. Instead, they must be allowed to undergo the country's regular legal procedures, including the opportunity to seek legal assistance and apply for asylum.
According to officials, many migrants entered Ceuta by swimming across the sea, while others crossed by climbing the border fence separating the enclave from Morocco.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as a serious challenge to Spain's territorial integrity, accusing human trafficking networks of exploiting the court's ruling to encourage irregular migration.
"This is a clear violation of Spain's territorial integrity," Sánchez said, adding that criminal smuggling groups were taking advantage of the judicial decision for their own interests. He also thanked Morocco for its cooperation, saying both countries are working together to address the situation.
Ceuta, although part of Spain, is located on the North African coast and shares its only land border with Morocco. The enclave is also separated from Morocco by only a short stretch of sea, making it a frequent destination for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
One migrant told local media that although he had initially planned to return to Morocco, he now wanted to remain in Spain.
"I want to stay in Spain. I don't want to go back to Morocco," he said.
Spanish authorities noted that migrants who entered by crossing the land border illegally would not automatically benefit from the legal protections related to sea arrivals.
Security has since been reinforced around Ceuta, and Spain has begun returning migrants to Morocco. Officials said on Friday that most of the more than 50,000 people who entered the enclave by land and sea had voluntarily returned.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ceuta reported recovering 57 bodies near the border. Officials fear the death toll could rise, with reports indicating that some migrants drowned while attempting to swim across the sea, while others died in stampedes near the border fence.
The latest incident recalls a similar crisis in 2021, when around 10,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta within two days, triggering a diplomatic dispute between Madrid and Rabat.
END/SMA/AJ
