Thousands of migrants entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco Thursday, as local officials called for a national emergency and military deployment to restore border control.
Spain's Interior Ministry said it would guarantee the safety of citizens and the integrity of the nation's border, but that the government could not declare a national emergency over migration concerns.
Video footage showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach onto local roads. While the majority appeared to be young men, there were also families with women and children.
"Viva Espana!” some shouted to a freelance photographer working for The Associated Press.
Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.
