Thousands of Moroccan migrants crossed a Spanish border into the tiny territory of Ceuta on Thursday, overwhelming local leaders who have asked Spain to declare a state of emergency—as videos of the migrants flood social media, outraging right-wing politicians and activists.
Migrants cross from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory on Thursday. (AP Photo/Antonio Sempere)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X her administration is “prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures” in response to the migrant surge, adding she is considering tightening border controls for Spain and “Italy will not stand by and watch.”
Videos on social media and local reports show thousands of migrants have poured into Ceuta on Thursday, which Rachid Sbihi, head of the association that represents Ceuta’s border police, said has caused “absolute chaos.”
Sbihi reportedly said he does not know exactly how many migrants have crossed the border, but said the amount is in the “thousands,” saying the border has “totally collapsed.”
