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Thousands of migrants cross into Ceuta from Morocco, border chaos reported
Local officials in Spain’s Ceuta say the frontier has effectively collapsed, and they have urged Spain to deploy the army to restore control.
Thousands of migrants crossed into Spain’s tiny territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, overwhelming local authorities and prompting calls for Spain to take emergency steps at the border, according to SCMP Economy. SCMP Economy, citing reports from the Associated Press, said Ceuta local officials urged Spain to declare a national emergency and send the army to restore the frontier after conditions on the ground deteriorated. Spain’s interior ministry said it would guarantee the safety of citizens and protect the integrity of the border, but added the government could not declare a national emergency over migration concerns.
SCMP Economy also reported that Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as “absolute chaos,” saying it was not possible to provide precise numbers but that the crossings involved thousands of people. Another source cited by SCMP Economy said the Tarajal border was opened under unusual circumstances and that crowds, mainly Moroccans, moved from Tarajal beach onto local roads, with video footage showing both young men and families with women and children.