In a daring attempt to reach European soil, dozens of migrants swam from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, taking advantage of thick mist late Sunday and early Monday, according to local police.
Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of two Spanish enclaves on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. These territories represent the only land borders between the European Union and Africa and are frequently targeted by migrants seeking to cross into Europe.
Over the past 24 hours, many migrants were intercepted either in the water or on the beach near Tarajal, located on the southern edge of Ceuta, adjacent to the Moroccan border. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil in Ceuta confirmed the crossings but did not disclose the exact number of people involved or how many were sent back to Morocco.
“There was pressure, and we handled it with Morocco,” the spokesperson said, noting that the mist lifted on Monday morning, making it harder for further crossings to go unnoticed.
Migrants who cross the border into the Spanish enclaves are typically detained by authorities and returned to Morocco, except for minors and asylum seekers who are given different treatment under international law.
This latest crossing attempt recalls the tragic events of two years ago when at least 23 people died during a stampede as roughly 2,000 migrants stormed the border fence in Melilla, trying to breach the heavily fortified boundary between Morocco and the enclave.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions at Spain’s borders, as migrants continue to make dangerous journeys in their quest for a better life in Europe.