Hundreds of migrants swim to Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco

Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, overwhelming border security and straining reception facilities. Authorities reported that over 1,500 migrants, including adults and minors, have arrived by sea in recent days, leading to collapsed and saturated reception centers.

Spanish authorities, including the Civil Guard and Maritime Rescue Service, are actively rescuing migrants from the water and bringing them to Ceuta. Many are now sleeping outside the migrant reception center due to its exceeded capacity. Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, acknowledged the "extraordinary, exceptional situation" and praised the cooperation of Moroccan authorities in limiting irregular departures.

The majority of those attempting the crossing are Moroccans, with a small number of Algerians also present. The exact reasons for the surge remain unclear. Some activists have questioned whether a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling on due process for sea arrivals, which prevents immediate return to Morocco, contributed to the increase, though others suggest most Moroccans would be unaware of the legal decision. The timing of the crossings, following a meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has drawn comparisons to a similar border crisis in May 2021.