Hundreds of migrants swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants have crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta over the past week, local officials say. Juan Jesús Vivas said the influx is overwhelming resources and urged the Spanish authorities to intervene. Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday, according to Reuters. Footage showed migrants swimming toward the enclave using inflatable rings and other flotation devices, while others ran through gaps in the border fence. Ceuta, situated on Morocco’s northern coast, lies across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain and has long been a focal point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Reports on the scale of the crossing differ, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of people. Spanish media estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals entered Ceuta on Thursday, according to Reuters, though the Guardia Civil has not confirmed the figure. Meanwhile, RTVE reported that “hundreds” crossed into the territory during the day and said that more than 1,500, mostly young Moroccan migrants, had reached Ceuta over the past two weeks. Vivas also said the bodies of 60 people had been recovered at sea in recent months, as reported by RTVE. He added that the territory is facing a humanitarian and information emergency, noting that