Mass Migration Surge: Around 49,000 Migrants Enter Spain’s Ceuta Enclave in 24 Hours

Spain is experiencing one of its biggest migration crises ever when around 49,000 migrants were smuggled into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in less than 24 hours. The unprecedented volume of arrivals has prompted emergency measures at the borders, increased ferries of these measures and a revival of discussion on the policy on migration in Europe.

Spanish and Moroccan authorities soon began to reinforce the Ceuta border fence in order to keep people from crossing in any more. Large crowds that were getting close to the crossing points were forced back by Moroccan security forces, who used water cannon trucks. Also in the area, it was reported that there were instances of violence leading to burning of vehicles and damage of border infrastructure.

As a result of the crisis there has also been a significant loss of lives. Between 19 and more bodies were retrieved from the sea and waters that surround the area as many migrants tried to cross the sea in a perilous manner. Those who tried to enter the European area included women, children and migrants both from Morocco and from Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Spanish Government announced its readiness to return migrants that have entered illegally and have considered processing them, following recent court decisions on migrant rights. Spanish troops are to be deployed to provide protection as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visits Ceuta with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to see how the situation has developed.

A recent decision by the Spanish Supreme Court over the number of immediate returns of migrants picked up at sea could have played a part in the recent uptick, officials said.

The two autonomously governed cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa are the only ones for which Spain maintains a border with Africa, and are the only land frontiers for the EU with the region. However, the numbers of migrants crossing the sea this time are thought to be unprecedented and they are always important entry points for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

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