Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past week, according to Juan Jesús Vivas, the territory's leader. Vivas stated that the influx is overwhelming local resources and urged the Spanish government to take action.

Footage from Thursday showed migrants swimming to Ceuta using inflatable rings and other flotation devices, while others entered by running through a gate in the border fence. Ceuta, located on Morocco's northern coast and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, has long been a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Spanish media, citing Reuters, estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered Ceuta on Thursday alone, although the Guardia Civil has not confirmed these figures. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,500 mostly young Moroccan migrants have reached Ceuta.

Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday, Reuters reported. The Spanish interior ministry expressed concerns that human trafficking networks are exploiting the situation to "encourage the flow of undocumented migrants, mostly young people."

Authorities from Spain and Morocco cooperate on migration issues and have agreed to strengthen efforts, including "the handover, as soon as possible, of all people who have entered Ceuta illegally."

Vivas also reported, according to RTVE, that the bodies of 60 people have been recovered at sea in recent months. The Spanish government has indicated it is prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and ensure the safety of citizens, citing the threat posed by uncontrolled illegal immigration to Europe's border security.

Sources