This past Thursday, Ceuta experienced an unprecedented surge of migrants crossing from Morocco. Thousands entered the Spanish autonomous city, both on foot and by swimming around the Tarajal breakwater, marking the city's most severe migration crisis in recent history.
As the influx continued, Spanish police estimates reported by ABC suggested that over 20,000 migrants had crossed throughout the day, while Moroccan media claimed the number exceeded 30,000.
Television channel Cuatro broadcasted live coverage, capturing up to 200 individuals crossing the border per minute starting at 11 a.m. local time.
The crossings commenced early in the morning, escalated around 12:30 p.m., and after a brief lull, intensified again by 3:30 p.m., continuing unabated until 6:00 p.m.
Wide Range of Individuals Among Migrants
The majority were young men, yet entire families, women, children, and unaccompanied minors as young as six also made the crossing.
According to EFE, numerous young individuals arrived at the Moroccan town of Castillejos using cars and motorcycles before heading en masse towards the border. "We're heading to the fence, not by sea, to the border. Inshalla," exclaimed one of them.
Local outlet El Faro de Ceuta reported scenes of utter chaos at the breakwater, with the Civil Guard attempting to pull people from the water while hundreds more continued to arrive.
Underlying Factors and Immediate Triggers
The crisis was the culmination of several factors. In the ten days leading up, between 1,500 and 2,000 people had already swum into Ceuta, overwhelming local resources.
The Temporary Stay Center for Immigrants (CETI), which can accommodate 512 individuals, was housing over a thousand, with another thousand waiting outside. Businesses in the city's center shut their doors.
The immediate legal trigger was a Supreme Court ruling from June 29 stating that instant deportations could not apply to those entering by swimming in Ceuta or Melilla. The Interior Ministry claimed that human trafficking networks "exploited" this decision to orchestrate the mass crossing.
Political and Social Repercussions
The events coincided with Morocco's Throne Day, marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's reign, during which he pardoned 1,788 prisoners. Moroccan media suggested the crossing was organized via WhatsApp groups, preceded by a digital mobilization campaign.
Witnesses and El Faro de Ceuta reported Moroccan soldiers actively encouraging young people to cross, as auxiliary forces stepped aside for the crowd.
The Jupol police union condemned the "absolute passivity of Moroccan authorities," whereas the Jucil association criticized Spanish authorities for keeping the military confined to barracks, leaving "the burden of containment almost entirely on the Civil Guard's shoulders."
Juan Jesús Vivas, President of the Autonomous City, termed the situation an "absolute humanitarian and social emergency," demanding the central government declare a "national emergency" and establish a "single command." However, the Interior Ministry rejected this, citing a lack of legal provision for such actions in migration crises.
Spain and Morocco reached an agreement to enhance cooperation and commit to the swift repatriation of all illegal entrants. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares had several discussions with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita to "address and resolve" the situation.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska plans to visit Ceuta on Friday to meet with local authorities and the National Police and Civil Guard leadership, as a five-kilometer-long line of thousands of people continued to wait at the border by mid-afternoon.
Ceuta Migration Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What triggered the migration crisis in Ceuta?
The crisis was sparked by several converging factors, including a Supreme Court ruling that affected deportation policies and was exploited by trafficking networks, coupled with the large number of migrants entering Ceuta by swimming in the days leading up to the crisis.
How did the authorities respond to the crisis?
The Spanish government worked to reach an agreement with Morocco to improve coordination and expedite repatriation. Local authorities in Ceuta called for a national emergency declaration, which was not granted. The Interior Minister also planned a visit to assess the situation firsthand.
Who were the migrants crossing into Ceuta?
The migrants included a wide range of individuals from young men to entire families, women, and unaccompanied minors, highlighting the diverse demographic of those seeking entry.