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Thousands break through border separating Spain's Ceuta from Morocco
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, overwhelming local authorities and prompting calls for Spain to declare a national emergency and deploy the army to secure the border.
- Spain's Interior Ministry assured the protection of citizens and border integrity but stated it could not declare a national emergency over migration, noting that migration flows are not considered a national security risk under current legislation.
- The surge follows a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling protecting migrants arriving by sea from immediate pushbacks, though some activists doubt this ruling is the main cause of the increase.
- Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented, but Spain and Morocco are reportedly cooperating to manage the situation and facilitate the return of migrants who crossed illegally.
- Ceuta's regional government is overwhelmed with migrants, many sleeping on the streets, recalling a similar crisis in May 2021 when thousands entered Ceuta amid diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.
