'Absolute chaos': Spain faces border crisis as thousands cross into Ceuta from Morocco

Thousands of people crossed into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in a matter of hours, creating a major border crisis that overwhelmed local authorities. Videos from the area showed large crowds entering through the Tarajal border and along the coastline, prompting urgent calls for government action.

The sudden influx has put Spain’s migration policies back in the spotlight. Local officials are now asking for more security personnel and military support, while Spain and Morocco have agreed to work together to return those who entered the territory illegally.

Thousands Entered Within Hours

The crossings began on Thursday, with thousands of migrants making their way into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the northern coast of Africa. Many crossed through the Tarajal border area, while others reached the enclave by sea.

Videos from the scene showed large groups of people, mostly young men but also women and children, walking around breakwaters and onto roads. Some were reportedly heard shouting, “Viva Espana!” as they entered Spanish territory.

According to AFP, Rachid Sbihi, who heads the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as “absolute chaos.” “It’s not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing,” he said, adding that the border had “totally collapsed.”

Meanwhile, Achraf Maimouni, a member of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, also described the situation as “exceptional.” “The Tarajal border was opened under unusual circumstances this morning and people crossed,” he said as per AFP.

Authorities Seek Urgent Action

The large-scale crossings prompted Ceuta’s regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas, to urge Spain’s central government to declare a national emergency. He also requested additional police officers and military deployment to secure the border.

According to Vivas, migrant reception centres were already struggling before Thursday’s arrivals, with hundreds of people sleeping on the streets after more than 1,500 migrants had entered the territory during the previous week.

Spain’s Interior Ministry, however, said migration alone does not meet the legal requirements for declaring a national emergency. It added that government agencies were coordinating efforts to manage the situation and protect the country’s borders. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit Ceuta to assess the situation.

Spain And Morocco Reach Agreement

Spain’s Interior Ministry reportedly said Moroccan authorities were cooperating closely and had started stopping many people attempting to cross the border.

Both governments also agreed to work together to return those who had entered Ceuta illegally as quickly as possible. The ministry said it would continue to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of Spain’s borders.

Political Debate Grows

The latest crossings have brought back memories of the 2021 border crisis, when more than 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta over two days.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also reacted to the situation on X, writing, “The images coming from Ceuta are striking and demonstrate, once again, that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe’s borders.”

She added, “Italy will not stand by and watch. We are convening the relevant bodies, and following these meetings, we are prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and the safety of citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain. On illegal immigration, we will not yield an inch: defending the borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective repatriations will continue to be the line of this Government.”