Spain Installs Floating Barrier in Ceuta After Mass Migrant Rush
Spain has deployed a floating barrier at the Tarajal breakwater in its North African enclave of Ceuta following an unprecedented surge of approximately 50,000 migrants attempting to cross into Europe. The influx led to at least 67 deaths as people drowned or were crushed while trying to scale border fences and barriers. Spanish authorities have largely restored order within a day but remain on high alert with reinforced police and military presence. The crisis has sparked political tensions across the European Union, prompting calls for an emergency meeting of interior ministers from 22 EU governments. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged unity while criticizing Italy’s decision to suspend Schengen arrangements with Spain for a month over border control concerns. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized that Morocco is not a threat and ruled out intelligence suggesting the mass migration was imminent. The floating barrier, designed as an additional security measure alongside anchored buoys, aims to prevent further unauthorized sea crossings while allowing patrolling vessels access through designated channels.
Topics: Ceuta EU border control immigration Morocco Spain