Thousands cross into Spain’s Ceuta enclave as migration crisis escalates

Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta is facing an escalating migration crisis after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco within 24 hours, according to Ceuta’s regional government.

Images circulating on social media showed a construction truck carrying dozens of migrants arriving near the border, where a Moroccan police officer appeared to organize and control their disembarkation before they continued toward the crossing.

Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas said about 60,000 migrants entered the enclave over a 24-hour period and that at least 34 people died during the crossing.

The surge followed a ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court stating that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the Spanish enclave of Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as “an attack” on Spain’s territorial integrity and vowed that all migrants who entered the country illegally would be returned to Morocco as soon as possible. Several European leaders have also expressed concern and announced plans to strengthen border controls.