Spain deployed its army in the African enclave of Ceuta on Tuesday to deal with the surge of migrants flowing into its territory.

Spanish authorities calculate that a record-breaking 5,000 people, including minors, irregularly crossed into Ceuta on Monday. A police source told Spain’s Europa Press that the number could be as high as 9,000 on Tuesday.

“My priority is to return normalcy to Ceuta. Its citizens must know they have the absolute support of the Spanish government and we will act firmly to ensure their safety and defend their integrity as part of the country,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted.

The migrants arrived by swimming or taking small boats from Morocco into the Spanish territory. At least one man died in the attempt.

The steady stream of migrants comes amid a worsening diplomatic row between Spain and Morocco.