Spain Deploys Military to Ceuta After Mass Migrant Surge

The Spanish government has cancelled military and security leave in Ceuta and Melilla after intelligence warned of a potential new migrant surge on August 15. This mobilization follows a mass influx on July 30-31, where between 60,000 and 72,000 people breached the border into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. While most have been returned to Morocco, thousands remain in the city facing severe shortages of food and shelter, with reports of up to 4,000 unaccompanied minors. Death toll estimates for the crossing vary, with the NGO Caminando Fronteras reporting at least 141 deaths.

Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, described the event as "a violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and blamed human-smuggling networks for exploiting a Supreme Court ruling that limited the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea. The crisis sparked an EU diplomatic rift, leading Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to call for Spain's suspension from the Schengen zone. Some observers suggest the surge was a retaliatory move by Morocco following Sánchez's visit to Algeria.

Internal tensions have risen as Ceuta's President, Juan Jesús Vivas, demanded the urgent creation of an internment center to expedite expulsions. Meanwhile, opposition leader Santiago Abascal has called for an investigation into Sánchez for possible treason. In response to the instability, Spain has deployed over 2,000 military personnel, reinforced the National Police with riot officers, and installed a floating maritime barrier to secure the border.