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What to know about Spain's enclave of Ceuta as migrants arrive
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Thousands of migrants, mainly Moroccans including families, have entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco, resulting in at least nine deaths and prompting Spain to deploy its military to secure the border.
- Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city on Africa’s Mediterranean coast, and its neighbor Melilla are unique as Spain's only land borders with Africa and are considered occupied territory by Morocco.
- The area has been a frequent flashpoint in Spain-Morocco relations, notably in 2021 when Morocco allowed thousands of migrants to enter Ceuta amid diplomatic tensions over Western Sahara.
- Ceuta and Melilla serve as key entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with many attempting dangerous crossings by swimming from nearby Moroccan towns.
- Spain has a significant immigrant population, with around 10 million foreign-born residents contributing to sectors like agriculture, tourism, and services, though migrant arrivals in Ceuta and Melilla are lower compared to other Spanish territories.
