Ceuta authorities declare emergency after migrant arrivals

Key points

• More than 1,500 migrants reached Ceuta by sea from Morocco during the past week, local authorities said.
• Many arrivals swam toward the enclave using wetsuits and inflatable devices, according to local authorities.
• Ceuta authorities said reception centres were overwhelmed and requested an emergency response from Madrid.
• Spain’s Interior Ministry said armed forces personnel would reinforce Civil Guard units in Ceuta, while Moroccan authorities cooperated on crossings.
• Ceuta’s government said 1,500 to 2,000 people entered from Morocco during the past 10 days, with hundreds more estimated to arrive Thursday.
• Regional President Jesus Vivas requested troops to restore border control and described the situation as a humanitarian and social emergency.