Tens of thousands of immigrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30, overwhelming local authorities in a matter of hours.
About 60,000 entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from neighboring Morocco over the past 24 hours, according to Ceuta’s president, a surge equivalent to roughly 70% of the city’s population. The crossing has also turned deadly, with at least 34 immigrants reported to have died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory.
Many swam or waded around the border fence, while others scaled it. Reception centers are at capacity, and Ceuta’s government has called for a national emergency declaration, army deployment, and tighter border controls.
Spain’s central government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected the emergency label but is sending extra troops and police. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit the territory.
The latest surge comes amid rising irregular crossings into Spain this year and growing criticism of the government’s immigration policies, including recent regularization measures. Local leaders say the border has “totally collapsed” and that Madrid’s response remains inadequate.
