In 2021, thousands of migrants were already pouring into Ceuta in support of a relaxation of Moroccan controls

In May 2021, thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, taking advantage of relaxed border controls in Morocco. The influx, which saw over 10,000 individuals swim across the border within two days, marked one of the largest migration waves in Ceuta’s history. Security forces deployed tear gas to manage the crowds, as tensions mounted along the frontier between Ceuta and the Moroccan town of Fnideq. This surge came amid diplomatic friction between Spain and Morocco, particularly concerning the status of Western Sahara. The latest spike in migration has been even more dramatic. According to figures released by Spain’s Interior Ministry, more than 60,000 migrants have entered Ceuta by swimming across the border in the past 24 hours. This number far exceeds the previous record set in May 2021, when around 10,000 people reached the enclave in just two days. Among those crossing were over 1,500 unaccompanied minors, many aged between seven and fourteen years old. These children, often from sub-Saharan Africa, faced dangerous conditions during their journey, with some reportedly suffering injuries or exhaustion. The situation has intensified due to a combination of factors, including economic hardship in the region and political instability in parts of North Africa. Many of the migrants come from Morocco itself, while others originate from countries further south, such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali. Some attempt to cross the border in groups, while others travel alone, navigating treacherous waters under the cover of darkness. The sheer volume of arrivals has overwhelmed local authorities, forcing them to deploy additional resources to manage the crisis. Diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco have played a role in the current situation. In July 2026, similar large-scale crossings occurred, with thousands of Moroccans and sub-Saharan migrants bypassing security checkpoints. At that time, relations between the two nations were strained over the discreet reception of a leader from the Polisario Front, an organization representing the independence movement in Western Sahara. The incident led to a temporary deterioration in bilateral ties, though the exact nature of the dispute remains unclear. The Moroccan government has maintained that its border policies are consistent with international law and that it continues to cooperate with European partners to combat irregular migration. However, critics argue that the relaxation of controls has allowed a flood of migrants to enter Ceuta, exacerbating the humanitarian challenge. Local officials in Ceuta have expressed frustration over the lack of coordinated action from European institutions, particularly the European Union, which they claim has failed to provide adequate support. Analysts suggest that the European Union relies heavily on Morocco to manage its southern borders, given the country’s strategic position and proximity to key migration routes. A recent analysis by Nando Sigona highlights this dependency, noting that the EU depends on Moroccan cooperation to prevent unauthorized entry into member states. This dynamic has created a complex geopolitical landscape, where migration flows are influenced by both regional politics and broader international strategies. As the crisis continues, authorities in Ceuta are working to improve coordination with Moroccan police and other agencies to better manage the influx. Emergency services have been stretched thin, with hospitals reporting increased demand for medical care among migrants. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have called for greater attention to the plight of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, who are disproportionately affected by the situation. The immediate outlook suggests that the pressure on Ceuta’s infrastructure will persist unless new measures are implemented. With no clear resolution in sight, the situation remains volatile, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing migration in a region shaped by historical and political complexities.