More than 1,500 migrants have arrived by swimming or using small boats to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past few days, according to regional authorities. The influx, averaging about 200 people per day, has prompted local officials to declare a “humanitarian and social emergency.”
The Spanish government has deployed additional police and military personnel to the border area to manage the situation. The enclave’s reception center is overwhelmed, with many migrants sleeping outdoors. Local NGOs have called for urgent assistance and a coordinated response from the European Union.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two North African enclaves, have long been flashpoints for migration. The latest surge comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco over border controls and migration policies. Spanish authorities are working to process asylum claims and arrange transfers to mainland Spain for those eligible.
Human rights groups have urged Spain to ensure the safety and dignity of migrants, many of whom are fleeing conflict and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. The situation remains fluid, with authorities monitoring for further arrivals.
