Chaos in Ceuta: Mass Infiltration of Migrants into Spanish Enclave
A mass breach of 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has shocked Europe and sparked a political crisis in Madrid. Witnesses report that Moroccan police encouraged migrants to cross the border.
Most of the migrants who infiltrated Ceuta have already returned to Morocco, but the mass breach into the Spanish enclave continues to shake not only the government in Madrid but all of Europe. The images arriving from there have sparked outrage among the global right and raised many questions regarding how this was made possible.
According to testimonies from some of the migrants who penetrated the small enclave, which was flooded within 24 hours with 60,000 people (an amount equal to almost 70% of its residents), police on the Moroccan side of the border encouraged them to "enter Spain." Ceuta is one of two Spanish enclaves located in North Africa bordering Morocco. The border between them and Morocco is effectively the only land border of the European Union with Africa, making them a coveted destination for migrants seeking to reach the EU.
Although both locations have barbed wire fences, cameras, and watchtowers, major breach events still occur every few years. However, the dramatic breach that occurred on Thursday was much larger than any previous assault. At the epicenter, Tarajal beach, crowds of people, mostly Moroccans, were seen walking around breakwaters and running toward Ceuta using inner tubes and other flotation devices.
The Spanish army was sent to the enclave to reinforce local forces. By Friday evening, the vast majority of migrants — 48,300 — had already returned to Morocco. Although the crisis appears resolved for now, it remains unclear how the mass breach occurred, and testimonies suggest Morocco did not attempt to prevent it.
Muhammad Ahmido, one of the migrants, stated he arrived at the border after hearing on social media that it was open and unmonitored. He described how many were amazed when Moroccan police urged them to cross. According to Spanish authorities, in the chaos that ensued, at least 67 people died — either by drowning or in the crushing crowd.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who arrived for a hasty visit to the enclave, blamed smugglers for exploiting a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling. Morocco denies involvement, claiming the events in Ceuta occurred against Rabat's will.
