Spain has deployed military forces to the North African enclave of Ceuta following a massive influx of migrants.
Approximately 49,000 people crossed illegally from Morocco within a single day, according to local authorities.
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The chaotic situation near border checkpoints prompted local officials to request immediate assistance from Madrid.
The number of arrivals could represent more than half of Ceuta's population, which stands at around 83,600 residents.
At least 18 people died during the crossing attempts, and about 7,000 of those who entered are minors.
The surge follows a recent ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that prevents the summary return of migrants intercepted at sea.
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Security forces have also been reinforced in Melilla, another Spanish enclave, where 300 to 400 illegal crossings were recorded overnight.
Images show crowds, mostly Moroccan citizens and young men, swimming around breakwaters from the town of Fnideq to reach Spanish shores.
Spain's interior ministry is coordinating with Moroccan officials to ensure the rapid return of those who crossed illegally.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Ceuta later on Friday to assess the situation.
