Over 60,000 migrants rush into Spain from Morocco, many lose lives

A large number of migrants entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta overnight after breaking through the border with Morocco. Reports say at least 41 people died during the chaos.

The Ceuta government stated that around 60,000 migrants crossed into the city from Morocco in just 24 hours.

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish city located on Africa's northern coast. It has its only land border with Morocco. Together with Melilla, another Spanish city, it forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa.

This incident happened a day after Ceuta’s government reported that between 1,500 and 2,000 people had entered in the last 10 days.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, called the situation an attack on Spain’s “territorial integrity.” He promised to ensure the safety of people in Ceuta.

In a post on X, he said, “What has happened is an attack on Spain’s territorial integrity and deserves our most resounding and energetic condemnation.”

He mentioned that his government would strengthen the presence of the “Security Forces and Corps in the city.” He also said they would speed up the “repatriation files of the migrants who arrived irregularly.”

“We will deploy a physical containment barrier in the sea to facilitate repatriation at the border, in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling,” he added.

Authorities reported on Friday that some migrants lost their lives in the stampede while trying to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach.

Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association for Civil Guard officers, told the Associated Press that some of the 18 who died also drowned.

Spanish broadcaster RTVE showed images of burned cars on the Moroccan side of the border after clashes were reported.

NBC also shared video footage showing several Moroccans walking around the breakwaters onto local roads. Most appeared to be young men, but families with women and small children were also seen.

This deadly attempt to enter Ceuta is part of a series of dangerous crossings into Europe.

Ceuta authorities called the situation a “serious humanitarian crisis.”

The regional president, Jesus Vivas, declared an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency” on Thursday. He called on Madrid to send troops to take control of the border.

However, Spain’s Interior Ministry turned down calls to declare a national emergency. They said such a measure does not apply to migration crises but promised to send more resources.

The mass arrival by sea and land is likely to create a political crisis for Pedro Sánchez, a left-wing leader known for his pro-immigration stance.

European leaders are urging for Spain’s temporary suspension from the Schengen free-travel zone due to worries about a new migration crisis. This has led to a diplomatic row between Rome and Madrid.

France announced it would increase checks on its border with Spain.

The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, threatened to demand Spain’s suspension from the 29-member Schengen zone, which extends from Portugal to Poland.

Ms Meloni warned that this is a threat to European security.

“The images coming from Ceuta are striking and demonstrate, once again, that uncontrolled illegal migration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe’s borders,” she said.