Spain is facing a severe border crisis on two fronts after thousands of migrants stormed the enclave of Melilla on Tuesday evening, just hours after a massive crossing overwhelmed the neighboring territory of Ceuta.
The situation in Ceuta unfolded first. Spain’s state broadcaster TVE reported between 2,000 and 3,000 people crossed from Morocco, many by swimming around the Tarajal breakwater or pushing through breached sections of fencing. Some estimates placed the total number far higher, well above 10,000. Dramatic footage showed crowds pouring over border barriers and quickly overwhelming border guards on the ground.
Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, described it as “a situation of total humanitarian and social emergency,” calling on the central government to declare a national emergency and deploy additional police and military resources to restore order.
As originally reported, the Spanish government responded by sending military units to reinforce the Guardia Civil in Ceuta, with an official statement confirming that armed forces would support civil authorities “in the exercise of its powers and those that may be necessary to maintain security in the city.”
Spain’s Interior Ministry said it would coordinate with Moroccan authorities on the return of those who entered irregularly. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government was “fully committed to providing an immediate response” and announced plans to visit Ceuta the following day alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
Then, around 10 p.m. local time, attention shifted sharply to Melilla.
The Government Delegation in Melilla confirmed an attempted mass entry at the Beni Enzar border post and the Dique Sur area, involving an indeterminate number of Moroccan nationals. Authorities temporarily closed the border crossing while security forces intervened, with officials asking residents to stay away from the perimeter to avoid hindering operations.
The situation in Melilla turned volatile quickly. Local residents reported explosions, and footage from the scene showed vehicles set on fire. Other video captured migrants chanting as they crossed the border, while separate clips showed individuals breaking into homes in the surrounding area.
Spain now finds itself managing simultaneous crises in both of its North African enclaves, with security forces stretched across two flashpoints and the government under mounting pressure to bring the situation under control.