During last week’s surge of migrants into Spain’s Ceuta enclave, at least 72 individuals lost their lives, according to local officials. This follows recent reports of about 60,000 people rushing into the territory, predominantly by swimming around the border from Morocco. Many have since returned to Morocco following the large crossing event.
Miguel Angel Perez Triano, the government delegate for Ceuta, confirmed the death toll had risen to 72, up from the previous count of 67. Spanish authorities responded by deploying police and military patrols in Ceuta, restoring order after the mass crossing. Most migrants, who crossed the small border barrier, left voluntarily within two days, leaving only scattered groups wandering the area.
The unprecedented influx has triggered an international crisis, with European partners criticizing Spain’s immigration policies. Outside a housing complex near Ceuta’s port, Spanish soldiers detained nine exhausted migrants sitting on the pavement, guarded by armed personnel and an armored vehicle, an AFP reporter observed.
Rescue boats from a relief unit patrolled the waters surrounding the border, which now features a reinforced 500-meter floating barrier designed to bolster security. Additionally, Civil Guard agents escorted migrants onto buses to be taken back to the Moroccan border post.
The border remained largely calm, with cleanup crews collecting debris left behind during the crossing. Spain has accused criminal gangs of spreading false rumors that a recent Spanish Supreme Court decision would facilitate easier migration. Some analysts speculate Morocco may have allowed the crossings to exert diplomatic pressure on Spain, especially as Madrid has recently improved relations with its rival Algeria.
In 2021, roughly 10,000 migrants seized the opportunity when Morocco eased border restrictions, using it as leverage in negotiations with Spain. Moroccan officials have yet to comment publicly on the recent crisis, but some migrants reported hearing that the border was open—a rumor quickly amplified via social media.
The European Union announced plans for a video conference on Tuesday, following a joint letter from 22 member states calling for urgent, coordinated measures to prevent further uncontrolled crossings. On Saturday, Italy suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain for a month, halting visa-free travel across their borders.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the reaction of some EU countries, labeling it “selfish” and calling for a unified response to manage the crisis effectively.
