Thousands of migrants entered the small Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco, leading local officials to request a national emergency declaration and military involvement. The Spanish interior ministry pledged to ensure the safety of citizens and border integrity but stated that migration concerns do not warrant a national emergency declaration.
Video footage captured large groups, primarily Moroccans, accessing the area via breakwaters at Tarajal Beach. While most were young men, families with women and children were also seen. Some shouted “Viva España!” to a photographer from The Associated Press.
Spain is a primary entry point into Europe for migrants seeking better economic prospects or an escape from violence in their home countries. This border situation between Spain and Morocco follows a rise in migrants attempting to reach the exclave, mainly by swimming.
Previous Crises
The current events draw parallels to a crisis in May 2021 when over 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta within two days. Juan Jesús Vivas, Ceuta’s regional government head, has asked for a national emergency declaration for national security purposes, seeking additional police and military presence to ensure frontier inviolability and citizen safety.
Vivas mentioned that migrant centers are overwhelmed, leading to people sleeping in the streets. However, the interior ministry stated that national emergency legislation does not classify migration as a national security threat.
Government Coordination
Government bodies are working together for a prompt and effective response in Ceuta. The Moroccan government is reportedly cooperating with Spain by preventing many from crossing the border. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska plans to visit Ceuta to assess the situation.