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At least 72 people have died during a mass migrant crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, according to local Spanish officials, after tens of thousands of migrants attempted to enter the territory from Morocco in recent days.
The latest death toll was
announced on Sunday by Miguel Angel Perez Triano, the Spanish government’s
delegate to Ceuta. He said the number of confirmed fatalities had risen to 72,
up from the previously reported figure of 67.
The mass crossing, described as
the largest migrant influx into Ceuta in recent years, took place between
Wednesday and Friday. Officials estimated that around 60,000 people
rushed toward the Spanish territory, with many attempting to swim around the
border barrier from the Moroccan side.
Most Migrants Return to
Morocco
Spanish authorities said most of
the migrants who entered Ceuta have since returned voluntarily to Morocco.
Within 48 hours, the majority had
crossed back through the border, leaving only small groups of migrants in
Ceuta. Spanish police and military personnel remained deployed across the
enclave as authorities worked to restore normal conditions.
An AFP reporter saw migrant
minors gathered at a disused industrial site, while others were sleeping on
pavements. Some migrants said they hoped to continue their journey to mainland
Spain.
“All the children here want to go
to mainland Spain,” said Aziz Dabch, a 41-year-old Moroccan man who was among
the few adults at the site.
Spanish soldiers also detained a
group of nine migrants near a housing project close to Ceuta’s port. The
migrants appeared exhausted and were guarded by troops and an armoured vehicle.
Security Tightened Along Ceuta
Border
Spanish authorities increased
security around the border following the mass crossing. Small inflatable boats
operated by rescue teams searched the waters near the border barrier extending
into the Mediterranean.
A newly deployed 500-metre
floating barrier was also used to reinforce security around the maritime
section of the border.
Spain’s Civil Guard continued
escorting migrants toward the border crossing so they could return to Morocco.
By Sunday, the border area was
largely calm. Workers were clearing clothes, rubbish and other debris left
behind during the mass movement of migrants.
Spain Investigates Rumours
Behind Migrant Rush
Spanish authorities have blamed
criminal groups for spreading rumours that a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme
Court would make it easier for migrants to enter the country.
Some analysts, however, have
suggested that Morocco may have allowed migrants to approach or cross the
border as a means of putting diplomatic pressure on Spain.
Spain has recently sought closer
relations with Morocco while also improving ties with Algeria, Morocco’s
regional rival.
A similar situation occurred in 2021,
when approximately 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta after Morocco eased border
controls amid tensions with Spain.
Moroccan authorities have not yet
publicly commented on the latest mass crossing.
Several migrants who entered
Ceuta said they had heard that the border was open. The claim was reportedly
spread rapidly through social media.
European Union Faces Pressure
to Respond
The mass migration into Ceuta has
also created a wider political challenge for Spain and the European Union.
The EU said it would hold a video
meeting on Tuesday after 22 member states signed a joint letter calling
for an urgent discussion on the situation and a coordinated response to prevent
further uncontrolled crossings.
Italy also announced a temporary
one-month suspension of its Schengen arrangement with Spain concerning
visa-free movement between the two countries.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro
Sanchez criticised what he described as a selfish response from some
European countries in a letter addressed to EU leaders.
Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concern
The situation in Ceuta has also
drawn international attention.
Pope Leo XIV referred to the
crisis during his Sunday prayers, saying he was following developments with
concern and expressing hope for a peaceful solution based on peace,
stability and justice.
The latest migrant crisis has
placed renewed focus on Spain’s borders in North Africa, migration routes
across the Mediterranean and the broader challenge facing European countries as
they seek to manage irregular migration.
Key Facts
- Death toll: At least 72 people
- Location: Ceuta, Spain
- Estimated migrants involved: Around 60,000
- Main crossing period: Wednesday to Friday
- Most migrants: Returned to Morocco
- Border security: Reinforced with Spanish
police, troops and a floating barrier
- EU response: Emergency discussions planned
- Previous major Ceuta crossing: Around 10,000
migrants in 2021