July 30, 2026, 3:11 p.mJuly 30, 2026, 3:40 p.m
There is currently a state of emergency in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Hundreds of migrants have arrived in the town in northwest Africa in the last few days. A total of 1,500 migrants are said to have tried to reach the area that borders Morocco. This is only possible by swimming – there is a meter-high border fence on the Moroccan-Spanish border.
Migrants on the way from Morocco to Ceuta.Image: www.imago-images.de
As Spanish media report, there is currently a state of emergency in Ceuta. According to the head of the exclave’s government, the coast guard and the Red Cross had to rescue numerous people from the water, including minors. The reception centers are said to be massively overloaded: According to the President of Ceuta, some of the reception centers are said to be overcrowded by more than 2,000 percent. Hundreds of people are expected to spend the night outdoors. There are also said to be some injuries.
Due to the current situation, Ceuta is now requesting help from the government in Madrid. The government of the exclave is hoping for support from the Spanish military. According to “El Pais”, Madrid has so far blocked these demands. According to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, this is not a “risk to national civil protection”.
The road to Ceuta is dangerous.Image: www.imago-images.de
The President of Ceuta also calls for the deportation of new arrivals – but this is not allowed. People who reach the exclave by swimming may not be deported because, according to current law, they cannot be accused of having forcibly crossed Spanish border facilities. This relatively new ruling – it dates from June 16th – could have gotten around among migrants, ARD’s Morocco correspondent told Stefan Ehler SRF.
Ceuta is always at the center of discussions regarding migration to the European Union. People from Africa, especially from Morocco and Algeria, repeatedly try to reach European territory via this border. However, the path is dangerous: due to the border fence, an hour-long swim through the sea is necessary to reach Spanish territory from Morocco. Last year alone, 60 bodies were recovered off the coast. Four more people died in the last few days. (dab)