Casablanca – Moroccan security services deployed water cannons and reinforced security along the border with Ceuta on Thursday, seeking to stop new attempts to cross into the Spanish enclave after one of the largest migration surges in its history.
The deployment came after nearly 49,000 migrants reached Ceuta by land and sea in about 24 hours, overwhelming Spanish authorities and triggering an emergency response on both sides of the border.
Spain also increased its security presence around the territory as the two countries worked to contain the situation.
However, the crisis has quickly spread beyond the border. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy would ask the EU to take action, arguing that Spain had failed to protect one of Europe’s external borders. She is also expected to meet Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to discuss the government’s next steps.
Among the measures Italy wants the bloc to consider is suspending Spain from the passport-free Schengen zone.
Spain was quick to reject the proposal. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spain was fulfilling its responsibility to protect the EU’s external border. He also criticized Italy’s position, saying migration should be addressed through European cooperation rather than political disputes.
France has also tightened checks along its border with Spain following the large number of arrivals.
