In what can only be described as an unannounced mass migration event, approximately 49,000 migrants have made their way into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco within the last 24 hours, according to officials. That's a lot of unexpected guests, especially considering the city's population is only about 83,600. Talk about a population surge.

Videos and images from Thursday showed thousands of people swimming into the city, while local media reported that the crossings continued overnight. It seems the Mediterranean was less a barrier and more a welcoming committee. Officials report that at least 18 people have died in recent days while attempting to reach the territory - a sobering reminder of the dangers behind the headlines.

The sudden influx follows a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court earlier this month, which determined that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla (the other Spanish enclave) cannot be summarily returned to Morocco. Because nothing says 'border control' like a bunch of people swimming past it.

Local officials had already been pleading with Madrid for help due to a recent uptick in crossing attempts, but Thursday saw border controls seemingly throw in the towel, leading to chaotic scenes. In response, Spain deployed its armed forces to bolster security in Ceuta and its sister city Melilla, where an additional 300 to 400 crossings were reported overnight. Because nothing says 'we've got this' like sending in the troops after the fact.

Of the estimated 49,000 who entered Ceuta, at least 7,000 are minors. That's a lot of kids who decided to go for a swim and ended up in a different country. Spain's interior ministry said it's working with Morocco to ensure the return of all who crossed illegally 'as soon as possible.' Good luck with that.

If the official estimates are accurate, this would be the largest number of migrants to cross into Ceuta since May 2021, when more than 10,000 people entered the city. Records are made to be broken, apparently. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is slated to visit Ceuta later on Friday, likely to survey the new, unexpected constituents.