Spain’s North African enclave Faces Migrant Crisis, as 100 Persons Swim from Morocco to Ceuta

Early Saturday morning, about 100 migrants, including several children, attempted to swim from Morocco to Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, taking advantage of thick fog to evade detection. Authorities said Moroccan security forces and Spain’s Guardia Civil intercepted most of them, with only seven children reaching shore and being placed in the care of regional authorities.

The crossing is perilous, involving strong currents in the Strait of Gibraltar and fenced maritime borders. Migrants often attempt the swim at night or in large groups to reduce the chance of interception. Those caught are returned to Morocco.

Ceuta’s reception facilities are under extreme strain. The enclave, just 20 square kilometres in size, is hosting 528 foreign minors, which is far exceeding its official capacity of 27. Local leaders have warned of “collapse” and urged other Spanish regions to share the responsibility. Between 2021 and 2024, about 450 minors were relocated, with additional transfers planned under a national decree to redistribute thousands of foreign minors from Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands.

The decree has faced political opposition, with the conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox criticising it as unfair and risky. Several PP-led regions have refused to participate in relocation efforts.

The UN’s International Organization for Migration reports that 572 people died or went missing in 2023 while trying to reach Spain from North Africa, with 155 deaths recorded so far in 2024, including seven children. Past attempts have included desperate measures, such as swimming with inflatable rings or even empty plastic bottles.