Thousands cross into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco; military deployed to restore order

Thousands of migrants have overwhelmed the tiny Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday, July 30, 2026, creating "absolute chaos" as they breached the border from Morocco. Reports indicate that between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals crossed into the territory primarily by swimming around breakwaters and, in some cases, scaling border fences. This recent influx follows a week where over 1,500 migrants had already arrived in Ceuta, stretching local resources and prompting urgent calls for assistance. At least three deaths have been reported in connection with the crossings.

The president of Ceuta has requested that Spain's central government declare a national emergency and deploy the army to secure the frontier and ensure public safety. However, Spain's Interior Ministry has clarified that current legislation does not permit a national emergency declaration for migration issues. The ministry affirmed its commitment to protecting the border and its citizens, stating it is coordinating a rapid and effective response with Moroccan authorities, who are reportedly cooperating to halt further crossings.

This surge recalls a similar major border crisis in May 2021, when over 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta in just two days. While the precise triggers for the current mass crossing are not immediately clear, some reports suggest a possible passivity by Moroccan security forces at certain points and the exploitation of a Supreme Court ruling by people-smuggling networks. Migrant reception centers in Ceuta are currently overwhelmed, with many individuals reportedly sleeping in the streets.