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Ceuta and Melilla, two small Spanish territories in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean, have long been focal points for migrants and refugees aiming to reach Europe. Many attempt to scale the barbed wire fences surrounding these autonomous cities or reach the exclaves by sea.
Spain relies heavily on Morocco to help manage these borders and prevent irregular migration. In 2021, after a diplomatic dispute between the two countries, thousands of people, including many unaccompanied Moroccan children, surged into Ceuta in just a few days, overwhelming Spanish authorities.
Although Spain and Morocco have since mended their relations and are collaborating on controlling irregular migration, authorities in Ceuta report renewed pressure this year. Between January and mid-August, 1,622 migrants arrived in Ceuta, compared to just 620 during the same period last year, according to the Spanish interior ministry.
In February, residents from the nearby Moroccan town of Belyounech attempted to swim to Ceuta after the Moroccan government demolished unauthorized beachside homes for new development.
While the migrants reaching Ceuta represent only a small portion of the more than 31,000 irregular arrivals to Spain this year, Ceuta’s government representative, Cristina Pérez, stated that the 18.5-square-kilometer (7.14-square-mile) territory is facing “extreme migratory pressure.”
