Thousands of migrants streamed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, overwhelming border control and prompting local officials to declare a state of "absolute chaos." Local authorities have called on Spain to declare a national emergency and deploy the army to restore order at the frontier.
Spain's interior ministry stated it would ensure citizen safety and border integrity but indicated that a national emergency declaration over migration was not forthcoming. Rachid Sbihi, head of the Civil Guard officers' association in Ceuta, described the situation as unmanageable, noting that it was impossible to provide precise numbers of the migrants crossing but that the border had "totally collapsed."
Achraf Maimouni, representing the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in northern Morocco, characterized the event as "exceptional," stating that the Tarajal border opened under unusual circumstances, allowing people to cross. Video footage captured crowds, predominantly young men but also including families with women and children, moving into Ceuta. Some migrants were heard shouting "Viva España!" as they entered.
The significant influx follows a surge in attempted crossings on Wednesday, primarily by sea. Reports from Sbihi and activists in both Morocco and Ceuta indicated that at least three people died during these attempts to reach Ceuta by water.
Moroccan authorities have not issued public statements regarding the crossings, and the interior ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Spain's Interior Ministry reported that the Moroccan government is cooperating closely to manage the situation, with Moroccan police actively stopping individuals attempting to cross. Both nations have agreed to work together on the swift return of all individuals who entered Ceuta illegally.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is scheduled to travel to Ceuta on Friday to assess the situation firsthand. Migrants were observed scaling a wall after swimming to Ceuta, and others were seen running past a police officer after entering the Spanish territory. Thousands of migrants celebrating after successfully entering Ceuta were also documented.