The Spanish enclave of Ceuta is facing a massive influx of migrants from Morocco. According to local media, in the latest attempt to breach the border, between 2,000 and 3,000 people may have crossed — some arriving by sea on inflatable rings, others trying to overcome land barriers.

Spain has sent military and additional police forces to the city to deal with the situation. Furthermore, Italy has threatened to temporarily restore border controls with Spain under the Schengen agreement.

The authorities fear a repeat of the 2021 crisis, when around 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta over several days. At the time, the situation was extremely tense, and the authorities were forced to take emergency measures to stabilize the situation.

Context

Ceuta is a Spanish enclave in northern Africa, bordering Morocco. The city has a special status and is a subject of dispute between Spain and Morocco. The migration crisis in Ceuta is part of the broader issue of migration to Europe.