Spain sends military to Ceuta after massive migrant breakthrough
The Spanish government has sent military personnel to the autonomous city of Ceuta after a mass arrival of migrants from Morocco. Over several days, thousands of people crossed the Spanish border, and local reception centers became overwhelmed.
The migrants mainly entered Spanish territory through the Tarajal border crossing area. Some bypassed breakwaters by water or swam across coastal sections, while others crossed the land border. Among the arrivals were young men, families with children, and unaccompanied minors.
According to Spanish authorities, at least nine people died while trying to reach Ceuta. The causes of death and the circumstances of individual cases are still being determined.
The military was brought in to support the Civil Guard and other security forces. Additional units are expected to help control the border and stabilize the situation in the city. Information about the army deployment was previously also reported by Spanish and German media.
Ceuta government head Juan Jesús Vivas asked Madrid to declare a nationwide state of emergency. The central government rejected this proposal, stating that Spanish legislation does not provide for such a regime specifically for migration crises.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska intend to visit Ceuta to assess the situation and discuss further measures with local authorities.
Spain is also negotiating with Morocco to prevent further crossings. The parties have tentatively agreed to speed up the return of people who illegally entered Spanish territory and do not have grounds for international protection.
The European Commission has offered Madrid additional operational and financial assistance. In particular, this involves possibly strengthening the presence of the EU border agency Frontex to control the EU’s external border.
Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Africa and, together with Melilla, is the only land border of the European Union with the African continent. Morocco does not recognize Spain's sovereignty over these territories.
The current crisis is compared to the events of May 2021, when more than 8,000 people arrived in Ceuta from Morocco in two days. At that time, the sharp increase in migration flow occurred against the backdrop of a diplomatic conflict between Madrid and Rabat.
Migration pressure on Ceuta had been growing even before the current mass crossing. According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, in the first half of 2026, 2,582 people entered the city illegally—164% more than in the same period last year.
Based on materials from: Associated Press, ZDF
