Thousands of migrants have crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, primarily by swimming or using small boats, prompting local authorities to request a state of emergency. The national government has so far refused this request, despite existing reception centers being overwhelmed. This influx mirrors a similar event in 2021 when 8,000 migrants arrived. The dangerous journey across the sea has claimed at least sixty lives in the past year but Ceuta is seen as a gateway to the European Union. Spanish officials attribute the sudden surge to human smuggling networks exploiting a recent court ruling preventing immediate deportations of migrants arriving by sea. The Minister of the Interior asserts the safety of Ceuta residents is guaranteed and claims collaboration with Morocco to restore order is underway.