Moroccan Migrants Mass Cross Sea into Spain, 57 Dead
The Spanish government has announced that it has successfully reversed a large wave of migrants storming the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. Most individuals who crossed the border via land and sea routes are reported to have returned to Morocco voluntarily.
The events, which began on Thursday morning, have triggered both a humanitarian crisis and political tension across Europe. Spanish authorities stated that at least 57 bodies have been found on the Spanish side of the border, with the possibility of additional casualties in Moroccan territory. Representatives from the Spanish government in Ceuta noted that some victims drowned, while others were trampled during attempts to climb the breakwaters supporting the border fences.
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior stated that approximately 50,000 people had entered Ceuta since Thursday morning. By 6:00 PM local time on Friday, an estimated 48,300 people had returned to Morocco. The head of the local government in Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, estimated that the number of migrants entering over the last two days reached as many as 60,000.
Moroccan security forces attempted to disperse crowds at the gates to Ceuta using batons and tear gas to prevent further entries into the small Spanish territory. At the border, Moroccan police deployed water cannons, and the site of the clashes showed remains of burnt buses and several damaged cars.
Hundreds of people were seen returning to Morocco through border posts or gaps in the fencing. Some migrants claimed they were unable to access food or shelter in Ceuta. One young man from Tangier, quoted by Reuters, expressed confusion over his arrival and noted he had not eaten since the previous day’s lunch.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta on Friday, where he was met with jeers from demonstrators. He described the mass crossing as a violation of Spanish territorial sovereignty and stated that the government is accelerating the repatriation process for illegal entrants in full cooperation with Morocco.
Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish autonomous cities located in northern Morocco and serve as the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. While these territories frequently experience surges in migrant crossings, the scale of the current wave is considered unprecedented. The crisis has caused divisions within Europe, with several EU leaders urging Spain to ensure the situation remains under control. Italy has even decided to temporarily suspend Schengen free movement arrangements with Spain, a move the Spanish government considers a violation of EU agreements. Right-wing parties across Europe have blamed Spain’s migration policies, specifically citing the amnesty granted to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants this year.