A Spanish tourist destination that fears it is becoming “the new Ceuta” has declared a state of emergency following a sharp rise in small-boat arrivals.
Local authorities say almost 5,000 migrants have reached El Hierro, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, this month.
The surge comes as the Spanish territory of Ceuta continues to deal with a migration crisis that began in July, when 72,000 people swam, climbed or forced their way into the enclave bordering Morocco.
At least 90 people died attempting to reach Europe. Although many were quickly returned or escorted back across the border, the national government says about 5,000 remain in Ceuta, placing heavy pressure on public services and fuelling anger among residents.
Maritime services in El Hierro rescued 3,261 migrants during the first six days of November. Regional officials warned on Friday that the numbers were “absolutely unsustainable”.
By Monday, Spanish media reported that the total was approaching 5,000 after 10 more small boats carrying hundreds of people arrived over the weekend.
A spokesperson for the island’s Unified Police Union said officers were “overwhelmed” and unable to cope with the scale of the arrivals. “We are experiencing a situation similar to the one we experienced in Ceuta — out of control and overwhelming,” the spokesperson warned.
El Hierro has a population of around 11,400 and is one of Europe’s main arrival points for migrants travelling from West Africa.
Migrants wait for assistance from the Red Cross after disembarking at La Estaca port in Valverde, on El Hierro, Spain, November 8, 2026
Local authorities say almost 5,000 migrants have arrived on El Hierro this month
The island’s Unified Police Union says officers are “overwhelmed” by the number of arrivals. Pictured: Migrants rest after disembarking from a Spanish coast vessel on El Hierro
Alpidio Armas, head of El Hierro’s governing council, told Spanish television over the weekend: “We are very concerned … by this sharp increase in arrivals.”
“This is precisely what led us to declare an emergency, in order to establish a framework for cooperation with higher-level institutions.”
Images showed hundreds of migrants gathered at the port of La Restinga after Spain’s maritime rescue service saved about 500 people from two boats on Thursday night. One body was recovered.
At least nine migrants have died off the Canary Islands in recent weeks. A critically ill baby was airlifted to hospital after arriving, while thousands of other people have been rescued.
The Atlantic crossing from West Africa to the Canary Islands is regarded as one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
Thousands of people attempt the journey each year in overcrowded boats, hoping to reach Spanish territory despite rough seas, powerful currents and the route’s considerable distance.
Departures generally increase during the autumn, when conditions at sea along the route are typically calmer and more favourable.
However, arrivals fell by almost 61 per cent during the first 10 months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2024, when the islands recorded a record total of more than 46,000.
A group of 164 migrants arrives at La Restinga port after being rescued near El Hierro by the Maritime Rescue Service vessel Salvamar Mizar, Canary Islands, Spain, November 7, 2026
El Hierro, home to about 11,400 people, is one of Europe’s main arrival points for migrants from West Africa
Red Cross workers assist migrants rescued from two boats in the Canary Islands, Spain, November 7, 2026
The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the world’s deadliest migration crossings
Thousands of migrants make the journey each year in overcrowded boats
Migrants wait to disembark from a Spanish coast guard vessel at La Restinga port on El Hierro, Spain, November 5
Clavijo said calmer sea conditions were contributing to the latest increase in departures bound for the islands.
He said the arrivals were placing growing pressure on healthcare and transport services. Buses had been diverted to support migration operations, while medical staff were brought from other islands to La Restinga.
The Spanish government has faced increasing criticism over its handling of the migration crisis since the border rush into Ceuta in July.
The national government says about 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, while Ceuta’s mayor puts the figure as high as 15,000.
Local officials have also accused the government of failing to act on warning signs before the border was breached.
Many migrants in Ceuta, including unaccompanied minors, are still sleeping on the streets despite efforts by authorities to provide shelter, register arrivals and return those eligible to Morocco.