60,000 Migrants Cross Into Ceuta as Spain Reaffirms Sovereignty

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Ceuta, Spain: Spain has reaffirmed that its sovereignty over the North African enclave of Ceuta is beyond dispute after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco last week, sparking a humanitarian and political challenge.

Speaking on Monday, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Ceuta and the neighbouring enclave of Melilla remain an integral part of Spain. His remarks came after Morocco's long-standing claim over both territories drew renewed attention following the mass border crossings.

Spanish authorities estimate that around 60,000 people entered Ceuta during the surge, with most reaching the enclave by swimming around the border barrier. Officials said the majority have since returned to Morocco, while between 2,500 and 5,000 migrants are believed to still be in the territory.

Among those remaining are about 1,000 unaccompanied minors, according to Save the Children. The charity warned that Ceuta's child protection system can accommodate only around 100 children, raising concerns over the welfare of those still in the enclave.

Spanish police and soldiers have continued patrolling the area and escorting groups of migrants back to the Moroccan border. Migration Minister Elma Saiz acknowledged that the scale of the arrivals had caught authorities off guard but said Morocco's cooperation had been essential in managing the situation.

The sudden influx has fuelled speculation that Morocco may have relaxed border controls to increase diplomatic pressure on Spain, particularly as Madrid has recently strengthened relations with Algeria. Morocco has claimed sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla since gaining independence in 1956 and does not recognise them as Spanish territory.

Spanish officials have also accused criminal networks of spreading false claims that a recent Supreme Court ruling had made it easier for migrants to enter Spain.