Thousands of migrants attempted to swim across the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta over the past few days, according to AP News.
Spanish media showed over the weekend how Spanish police intercepted migrants in the water at night in dense fog and in broad daylight.
Cristina Pérez, the Spanish government’s representative in Ceuta, stated on Monday that an average of 700 people tried to cross the border each day on 22 August. The peak was 1,500 attempts on Sunday.
Pérez also reported that under Spanish law, authorities were sending 150 to 200 people back to Morocco per day. She praised Moroccan authorities for their “loyal co-operation.”
Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish territories in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean, have become a target for migrants and refugees seeking a better life in Europe. Due to its geographical position, Spain has to rely on Morocco to control its borders.
Although Spain and Morocco have since normalised their relations and are jointly fighting illegal migration, Ceuta authorities claim they face renewed pressure this year.
While the number of migrants arriving in Ceuta is only a small fraction of more than 31,000 illegal arrivals in Spain this year, Pérez has said the territory is under “extreme migratory pressure.”
