At least 54 children, and at least 30 adults, swimming courageously their way from Morocco to Ceuta, a North African enclave of Spain. From below, they endured stormy passage across the high seas and dense fog. This case highlights the ongoing realities of migration and transit across the Mediterranean. Ceuta is unique in that it shares the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. The children, mostly Moroccan nationals, sought refuge in Spain, but their arrival raises questions about how authorities will manage the influx.
Ceuta is one of two tiny Spanish enclaves wedged within Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, the other being Melilla. Local authorities in Ceuta have become used to managing mass attempts by migrants to cross the borders in search of a better life in Europe. The region has seen similar incidents before, notably on August 26 last year, hundreds of migrants took advantage of thick mist to swim to Ceuta.
As soon as the children arrived, authorities moved them into temporary reception facilities within Ceuta. At the same time, adults in detention upon crossing were quickly deported to Morocco, excepting those under 18 years old or with an asylum claim. People of other nationalities are placed in specialized centers. There, they are held in protective custody and typically released after a few days of holding time.
The recent crossing was enough to sound the alarm among local officials. Juan Rivas of the Ceuta regional government echoed calls for more assistance, saying,
“Don’t leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved.”
The Spanish Civil Guard intervened during the emergency on scene, working tirelessly to initiate numerous rescue attempts over several hours. At the same time, drone video footage highlighted dozens of swimmers confidently completing the dangerous swim. Migrants are at great risk when they try to make these crossings. Previously, many were driven to extreme measures, such as using makeshift rafts made of empty plastic bottles to float the short distance to Ceuta.
