Clashes erupted in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after approximately 60,000 people swam from Morocco into the North African territory over a 24-hour period. Video footage from Sunday showed a group of migrants carrying an injured man and shouting.
Spanish National Police engaged with groups of migrants, with footage showing officers using batons. Migrants alleged that Moroccan police encouraged their journey, with some stating officers pointed them in the correct direction. Analysts suggest Morocco may have allowed the crossings to exert diplomatic pressure on Spain, which has recently improved relations with Algeria, a rival of Morocco.
The influx of migrants also affected Spain's second North African enclave, Melilla, on Friday. Days of chaos have been reported in both enclaves, with cars torched and migrants entering buildings.
This situation has prompted a strong reaction from European Union members. The EU announced a video call for Tuesday to discuss a coordinated response to prevent further uncontrolled crossings. Italy's government is considering extraordinary measures, including closing the border with Spain under the Schengen agreement. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that uncontrolled immigration poses a threat to Europe's borders.
France announced it would tighten its borders with Spain, and Finland supported Italy's call to exclude Spain from the passport-free Schengen area. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen stated that Spain has failed to protect the Schengen Area's external border. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for Morocco to take back illegal migrants immediately.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized the reactions of some EU countries as selfish. He also faces domestic criticism, including a government program providing legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Spanish officials reported at least 72 deaths during the mass influx, though Moroccan officials later presented a lower figure of 11 fatalities. Most of the estimated 60,000 individuals who entered Ceuta have since returned to Morocco.
Residents of Ceuta described the situation as an 'invasion,' expressing fear and uncertainty due to the unprecedented arrival of migrants. Local shops remained closed for fear of further unrest. One resident called for military assistance from Spain and the EU, describing the situation as disastrous and a national emergency that the government is not ready to admit.