Spain and Morocco have fortified the border fence of a Spanish enclave to prevent mass crossings after a surge of tens of thousands of people arriving by sea and land. The leader of the Spanish enclave in North Africa, Juan Jesus Vivas, reported that at least 57 individuals have died, with around 60,000 individuals entering Ceuta in recent days.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, approximately 48,300 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco by Friday evening. The influx of migrants into Ceuta, a small Spanish-held territory protruding into the Mediterranean from Morocco, has caused alarm and division in Europe. France has announced increased border checks with Spain, while Italy has threatened to suspend Spain from the EU’s open border scheme.
Moroccan authorities have deployed water cannon trucks and used force to prevent more people from storming across the border into Ceuta. Spanish authorities aim to swiftly expel those who entered illegally, despite some restrictions imposed by a court ruling on immediate expulsions from the enclave.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the mass crossings as a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty. He has urged Morocco to intensify efforts to curb the outflow of individuals. Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern Morocco, have the EU’s only land borders with Africa and frequently witness surges in attempted crossings by migrants seeking entry into Europe.
The surge in migration may have been influenced by a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court, which limits the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla. Migrants typically swim from Moroccan towns like Fnideq to reach Ceuta or attempt the crossing from nearby areas like Belyounech.
Although the border crossing initially seemed blocked, groups of migrants sought alternative routes around the fence, with some preparing to swim across. The issue of migration remains sensitive across Europe, especially in light of the recent surge in right-wing parties following the 2015 migrant crisis.
European countries are ramping up security measures, with France increasing police presence on the Spanish border and Germany welcoming Spain’s efforts to prevent illegal migrant entry. Italy’s Prime Minister has expressed readiness to take extraordinary measures to defend borders, including suspending the Schengen Area with Spain if necessary.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump has criticized Spain’s handling of the situation, likening the Ceuta crossings to an invasion. While Spain emphasizes its stance against illegal crossings, it recognizes the economic contributions of immigrants and recently offered a mass amnesty program.
The diplomatic tensions surrounding the migrant situation have sparked debates within the EU, with Italy criticizing Spain’s immigration policies and Spain calling for solidarity among partners. The ongoing developments highlight the complexities and challenges associated with migration management in the region.