Ceuta is facing an unprecedented influx of migrants, turning the Spanish enclave into the epicenter of Europe’s latest migration crisis. Authorities are talking about tens of thousands of crossings in a single day, fatalities and overwhelmed reception capacities.
According to Spanish authorities, around 60,000 migrants from Morocco crossed the border into Ceuta in the last 24 hours. The preliminary toll is at least 57 people who lost their lives trying to enter Spanish territory.
The regional president of Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, announced that the city is no longer able to cope with such an influx, as reception capacities have been overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, more than 50,000 migrants returned to Morocco on Friday. According to authorities, the return process was proceeding at a rapid pace, with around 150 people crossing the border every minute.
To cope with the situation, Spain has deployed armed forces to Ceuta and Melilla, increasing security measures in both enclaves.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that migrants who entered illegally will be returned to Morocco as soon as possible.
The crisis has also sparked international reactions. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron offered support for Spain, while US President Donald Trump used the situation as an example in the US immigration debate, warning that a similar scenario could happen in the United States.