EU struggles with migrant crisis as Moroccans overwhelm Spanish town
A massive influx of approximately 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco has triggered a significant diplomatic and humanitarian crisis. European nations are responding with tightened border controls and political debates over the Schengen agreement.
Why it matters
The event highlights the ongoing challenges of migration management and border security within the European Union.
Undocumented migrants continue trying to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Photo / Getty Images
The European Union is scrambling to contain one of the largest migrant crises in recent years, after tens of thousands of people crossed into Spain’s enclave in north Africa from Morocco.
About 60,000 migrants have entered Ceuta, regional president Juan Jesus Vivas told reporters.
By Friday evening (local time), however, officials said more than 48,000 of them had returned to Morocco.
To cross into Ceuta, many had to swim around a small border barrier that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, but at least 34 died in the attempt.
The sudden, massive influx sparked an international crisis.
France tightened checks on its border with Spain and reinforced police and gendarmes there.
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