Spain has been dealing with a migrant crisis in its African enclave of Ceuta after some 60,000 people entered from Morocco over the past 24 hours. President Donald Trump said the U.S. could face a similar reality if Democrats win the next presidential elections.
Speaking to Fox News on Friday, Trump said the images are "terrible." "Remember that picture. That's going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in," he said. "If the Democrats get in, you will not live a very good life."
Spanish authorities said on Friday that more than 37,000 had already returned to Morocco. At least 43 people have died as a result of the crossings.
Reuters detailed that Moroccan forces beat back crowds at the gates of Ceuta, trying to prevent more people from entering the Spanish territory. Spain deployed armed forces to help restore order.
Spanish President Pedro Sanchez has blamed human smugglers for the crisis, saying that they "deceive so many young people, and ultimately lead many of them to their deaths — whether in the ocean or, as in this case, at Spain's border in the autonomous city of Ceuta."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the scenario was "unacceptable."
"We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules," she said on Friday.
"Dangerous crossings must stop immediately. Smuggling networks must be dismantled. And returns must be swift, as our rules allow."
