Migrants in Ceuta: Italy suspends the Schengen area with Spain and closes its maritime and air borders

Italy has suspended its participation in the Schengen passport-free travel zone with Spain following a surge in illegal migration through the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the northern coast of Africa. The move comes amid growing pressure on Spain to manage the influx of migrants arriving from Morocco, which has raised tensions between the two countries and sparked concerns over border security within the European Union. According to reports, approximately 50,000 migrants have entered Ceuta since Thursday morning, with estimates suggesting around half have already returned to their home countries. However, the mayor of Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, claimed the number could be as high as 60,000. At least 34 individuals have been confirmed dead while attempting to cross into Spain, marking what could be the worst migrant crisis in recent history for the autonomous territory. The situation has escalated rapidly, with thousands of African migrants gathering along the streets near the temporary immigrant shelter center (CETI) in Ceuta. Many have set up makeshift shelters along road shoulders and hillsides, hanging their clothes on tree branches and accumulating plastic bags on the ground. They wait patiently, eating when they can and sleeping outdoors under open skies. In response to the crisis, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior emphasized its collaboration with Morocco on all fronts, including migration issues. It announced plans to repatriate individuals who had illegally entered Ceuta back to Morocco as soon as possible. The city, home to 85,000 residents, has become a flashpoint in recent diplomatic disputes between Madrid and Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Daily commuters from Morocco cross the border legally to work in Spain, but many migrants attempt to swim across from nearby Moroccan towns such as Castillejos or Belyounech, where distances are shorter. Ceuta shares a strict border with Morocco, controlled by Spanish security forces. As one of the last remnants of Spain's historical expansion in North Africa, alongside Melilla, Ceuta faces complex challenges due to the arrival of illegal immigrants from various African nations. Morocco does not officially recognize Ceuta and Melilla as part of Spain, often referring to them as occupied territories. Italian officials have taken a firm stance, suspending Schengen cooperation with Spain and closing maritime and air borders to prevent further migration flows. This decision follows calls from several EU countries for Spain to take greater responsibility for managing the crisis. However, historian Steven Forti argues that Italy’s actions are politically motivated, highlighting that Ceuta and Melilla are not part of the Schengen area despite being Spanish territories within the EU. Forti points out that the current crisis differs from previous ones, such as the 2021 incident, where Morocco attributed the migration surge to Spain’s political decisions regarding asylum seekers. Now, however, there is no similar accusation from Morocco, and both governments appear to be working towards bilateral cooperation. Nevertheless, Forti suggests that Morocco might be sending a message to Spain and the broader EU, possibly related to recent diplomatic meetings involving Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The crisis has placed Spain in a difficult position, isolated as a progressive government within the EU amidst increasing right-wing influence and external pressures from the United States. The effectiveness of Spain’s efforts to manage the migration flow will likely determine future responses from other EU members and the potential for further restrictions on Schengen cooperation.