France and Italy Tighten Borders After Migrant Influx in Ceuta
France is increasing its border police presence fivefold along its border with Spain, while Italy has suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, following a sudden influx of 60,000 migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. The migrants crossed from Morocco, many swimming around a small border barrier that juts into the Mediterranean, resulting in at least 34 deaths. The crisis prompted France to raise its police and gendarme presence to 334 officers by Saturday. Italy's suspension of the Schengen agreement, which allows visa-free movement between borders, will take effect on Saturday and last for one month. The influx has sparked an international crisis, with Spanish police officers blocking migrants at the maritime border from Morocco into Ceuta.
Key facts
- France is increasing border police presence fivefold to 334 officers and gendarmes by Saturday.
- Italy has suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, effective Saturday for one month.
- 60,000 migrants entered Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco.
- At least 34 people died attempting to cross into Ceuta.
- Many migrants swam around a small border barrier extending into the Mediterranean.
- The influx has sparked an international crisis.
- Spanish police officers blocked migrants crossing the maritime border from Morocco into Ceuta.
- The suspension of the Schengen agreement allows for visa-free movement between borders.
Entities
Institutions
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Morocco
- Schengen Agreement
Locations
- Ceuta
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Morocco
- Mediterranean