Spain Sends Troops as Thousands Cross Border

Spain's tiny foothold in North Africa suddenly became the focus of Europe's migration debate this week when roughly 1,500 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco by scaling fences or swimming around border defenses. Spain's government sent in troops, naval and air support, and divers to back up overwhelmed police, while the European Union offered Frontex border guards, the New York Times reports. Ceuta's president called the situation a "total humanitarian and social emergency," saying facilities for unaccompanied minors are beyond capacity. At least 14 people are reported to have died attempting the journey.

"The situation is absolute chaos," Rachid Sbihi, head of the association that represents Spain's Civil Guard officers who police the border in Ceuta, told the AP. "It's not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing," he said, adding that the border had "totally collapsed." The surge revives long-running tensions over Ceuta and nearby Melilla, the EU's only land borders with Africa and a frequent flashpoint between Spain and Morocco. Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries. Analysts said it is unclear what triggered the latest crossings.