Hundreds of migrants swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Sun Sep 06 2026 16:37:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hundreds of migrants crossed from Morocco to Spain’s Ceuta in a week‑long surge, overwhelming local resources and sparking a humanitarian crisis.

Over the past week, hundreds of migrants have crossed the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, straining the territory’s infrastructure and prompting urgent appeals for help. Ceuta’s governor, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the influx overwhelmed local resources and called for immediate government intervention. The crossings involved swimmers using inflatable devices and also individuals forcing their way through the border fence. While the exact number is disputed, estimates range from 2,000 to 3,000 people, with several hundred already in Ceuta, raising concerns about the safety of unaccompanied minors and the humanitarian capacity of aid facilities.

Hundreds of migrants swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past week, the territory's leader has said, calling the influx overwhelming for local resources.

Juan Jesús Vivas urged the Spanish government to intervene, and Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday.

Footage shows migrants swimming with inflatable rings and other flotation devices, and some ran through a breach in the border fence.

Ceuta, on Morocco's northern coast, has long been a focal point for migrants seeking Europe, separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.

Reports vary on the scale: Spanish media estimate 2,000 to 3,000 people crossed on Thursday, while the public broadcaster RTVE reports hundreds and mentions more than 1,500 people in the past two weeks.

Vivas warned of a humanitarian and security emergency, noting that reception centres for unaccompanied minors are operating at several times their intended capacity.

The surge has sparked comparisons to May 2021, when around 8,000 people entered Ceuta in a few days, escalating diplomatic tensions with Morocco.

Spain's Ceuta and Melilla enclaves are the European Union's only land borders with Africa, and authorities have increased security over recent years with surveillance, barrier reinforcement and improved bilateral relations with Morocco, yet crossing attempts persist.