Thousands of migrants entered the small Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday. This development led local officials to urge the Spanish government to declare a national emergency and deploy the army to reinforce the border.

The Spanish interior ministry assured that it would ensure the safety of citizens and protect the nation’s border. However, it stated a national emergency could not be declared solely due to migration concerns.

Video recordings showed groups of people, primarily Moroccans, moving around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach and onto local roads. While many appeared to be young men, families with women and children were also present. Some migrants chanted “Viva España!” as they progressed.

Spain serves as a primary entry point to Europe for migrants seeking improved economic prospects or fleeing violence in their countries. The recent surge at the Spain-Morocco border follows increased numbers of migrants attempting to enter Ceuta, often through swimming.

The current situation echoes the border crisis of May 2021, when over 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta in two days. Juan Jesús Vivas, head of Ceuta’s regional government, appealed for a national emergency declaration based on national security, requesting increased police presence and army deployment at the border.

Vivas emphasized the need for more police and troops to ensure border integrity and citizen safety. He noted that migrant reception centers were overwhelmed, with many sleeping outdoors.

The interior ministry indicated that current legislation does not classify migration flows as a national security threat to warrant a national emergency.

Government bodies are coordinating to address the situation efficiently. The ministry highlighted Moroccan cooperation, with local police preventing numerous crossings. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is set to visit Ceuta on Friday to assess the circumstances.