Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced on Friday that all migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta illegally this week have left, either voluntarily or through deportation. The statement came after a massive influx that saw thousands of people, mostly young Moroccan men and teenagers, cross the border from Morocco.
According to Spanish authorities, around 12,000 people entered Ceuta between Monday and Tuesday, a record number for such a short period. Many swam along the coast or climbed over the border fence. The Spanish government deployed additional police and military forces to the area to manage the situation.
Morocco has been accused of loosening border controls in response to diplomatic tensions with Spain, particularly over the Western Sahara issue. However, Moroccan authorities have denied any deliberate policy to allow the crossings.
The Spanish government has emphasized that it will maintain border security and has called for cooperation with Morocco to prevent future incidents. The European Union has expressed support for Spain and called for a joint solution to migration challenges.
