The peninsula on Morocco’s northern coast that Spain has governed for centuries has been a frequent site of mass migrant crossings and political tensions.

Hundreds of migrants from Morocco have swum into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta over the last week.

Pedro Sánchez called Europe's response "selfish" and "unlawful" after Italy suspended Schengen Area free-travel arrangements with Spain over the crisis.

The Ceuta migrant crisis has triggered an open confrontation between Spain and its European partners. After between 50,000 and 60,000 people attempted to enter the Spanish territory from Morocco, Italy restored targeted checks on arrivals from Spain and France strengthened controls along their shared border.

Massie says fellow Republicans condemning the Ceuta migrant surge backed language favorable to Morocco's claim on Ceuta.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing his “deep concern” over the “recent reaction” of some European governments following the migration crisis that erupted in the city of Ceuta.