Thousands of migrants cross from Morocco into Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Tens of thousands of migrants surged across the border fence into Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, in a coordinated movement that began early Tuesday from Morocco. The mass crossing, which lasted several hours, overwhelmed local authorities and prompted the rapid deployment of Spanish police and military units to restore order and secure the perimeter. Officials reported that the influx included families, women and children, many of whom were fleeing conflict and economic hardship in sub‑Saharan Africa and the Sahel region.

Spanish and Moroccan officials said the surge was sparked by a sudden opening of a gate in the fence, allegedly facilitated by a group of smugglers. Security forces detained hundreds of individuals while processing others for possible repatriation under existing bilateral agreements. The incident follows a pattern of periodic mass attempts to enter Ceuta and the neighboring enclave of Melilla, underscoring ongoing migration pressures on the EU’s southern frontier. Authorities emphasized that the situation is now under control and that efforts will continue to address the humanitarian needs of those intercepted while reinforcing border security to prevent future large‑scale breaches.