The Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa is experiencing an unprecedented migration crisis. In the last 24 hours, tens of thousands of people illegally crossed the border fences with Morocco. According to official data, the number of people who crossed the border exceeded 40,000, although some sources cite a figure approaching 50,000. For comparison, this exceeds half the population of the city itself, which stands at 83,600.
Mass Breach and Clashes
Events unfolded rapidly. Thousands of people, mostly young men, flooded the streets of Ceuta. Local residents describe the situation as extremely tense, noting that a significant portion of the arrivals spent the night outdoors. Large-scale clashes occurred at the border: migrants breached the fences, and the police were forced to use tear gas and water cannons to hold back the flow.
Tragedy was not spared on this day. Currently, the death of at least 27 migrants attempting to break into Spanish territory from Morocco has been confirmed.
Government Response and Military Presence
Spanish authorities are urgently tightening control over the city. Additional military units have been dispatched to the exclave to support the Civil Guard. The situation is being assessed personally by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who arrived in Ceuta.
At the same time, the stabilization process has already begun: some migrants have started returning to Moroccan territory. This is happening both voluntarily and with the assistance of Spanish military personnel through border checkpoints.
Echo in Europe: Threat to Schengen
The migration collapse in Ceuta has caused a stir in Brussels and the capitals of partner countries. Italy has stated that it is considering suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized Rome's firm position:
"Italy will not sit with its hands folded. We are convening the relevant bodies, and after these meetings, we are ready to intervene, in particular through emergency measures to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens, such as suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain. We will not give an inch on the issue of illegal immigration".
Finland has taken a similar stance. The country's Minister of the Interior called on all European states to temporarily exclude Spain from the Schengen zone due to the uncontrolled influx of migrants.
Situation in Melilla
Problems have also affected the neighboring Spanish enclave of Melilla. There, a breach attempt was recorded on the same night, resulting in between 300 and 400 people crossing the border, although the scale of the event there was significantly smaller than in Ceuta.
