Thousands of migrants surge into Spanish enclave

Spain has been facing a massive surge of migrants from Morocco over the past few days. Officials said about 60,000 people have entered the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, and they have now deployed troops there to boost security.

Spanish officials said 57 people have died during the crossings, and more than 48,000 have already returned. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday it is a violation of Spain's "territorial sovereignty."

Ceuta has long been a destination for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Local media say a recent court ruling may have spurred the mass crossing. The Spanish Supreme Court ruled in July that migrants intercepted at sea cannot immediately be returned to Morocco.

The influx has sparked concerns across Europe about the migrants flowing into other countries. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which allows the free movement of people across much of the European Union.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on social media that her country has decided to temporarily suspend the Schengen arrangements with Spain. Neighboring France has announced tighter border controls as well.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement. She called the images coming from the enclave "unacceptable," adding that the EU cannot let people enter without following its rules.

An EU official said there are no signs that migrants have moved from Ceuta to other member states.