On May 17, 2021, thousands of migrants, including many unaccompanied minors, swam or used makeshift rafts to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, following a diplomatic crisis between Spain and Morocco over the treatment of Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front. The influx overwhelmed local authorities and led to a temporary border closure and increased security measures.
The Spanish government deployed military and police reinforcements to Ceuta, while Morocco was accused of using migration as a political tool. The European Union expressed solidarity with Spain, calling for a joint approach to migration management. By May 19, Spanish authorities reported that around 6,000 migrants had entered, with many being returned to Morocco.
The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of migration at the EU's southern borders and the complex relationship between Spain and Morocco. It also raised concerns about the treatment of unaccompanied minors, with Spain promising to assess each case individually. The crisis subsided within days, but it left a lasting impact on bilateral relations and migration policy discussions.
