Spain faced a sudden surge at its border after around 60,000 refugees attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in a single day, according to reports. During efforts to push back the crowd, 34 people were killed.
The movement is linked to unemployment and poverty in Morocco, with many trying to reach Ceuta—Spain’s North African territory—in search of livelihood. The situation follows a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court that refugees arriving by sea cannot be immediately deported.
On the day of the surge, large groups tried to cross both by land and by sea. Moroccan security forces reportedly used tear gas against refugees gathered on a hill facing Ceuta, after which several people fell into the sea while attempting to escape.
Others tried to cross border fencing at the same time, triggering severe crowding at the barrier. The deaths were reported in the incidents involving the sea and the border fence.
After Ceuta, refugees also attempted to enter Melilla, Spain’s other North African territory. During clashes near the border, vehicles of security forces were set on fire. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the mass crossing threatened Spain’s integrity and blamed human-trafficking networks, while France and Italy strengthened security at their borders.
