Spain says migrants leaving Ceuta after mass influx in which 67 died
Spain reported that approximately 60,000 migrants who entered the North African enclave of Ceuta have voluntarily returned to Morocco following a mass influx. At least 67 people died during the crossing attempt, with some drowning and others crushed while climbing the border fence.
A surge of migrants attempted to enter Spain's North African territory of Ceuta over several days, prompting a significant diplomatic and security response. Spanish authorities estimated that around 50,000 people crossed the border starting Thursday morning, with some local officials suggesting the total reached as high as 60,000. By Friday evening, Spain's Interior Ministry indicated that approximately 48,300 had returned to Morocco, with the foreign minister stating that virtually all who entered had departed voluntarily.
The crossing attempt resulted in substantial loss of life. Spanish officials confirmed at least 67 deaths, with some fatalities occurring through drowning and others from crush injuries sustained while attempting to scale the breakwater structure that supports the border fence. Authorities acknowledged the possibility of additional casualties on the Moroccan side of the border.
The incident triggered concern across European Union institutions and member states. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen characterized the situation as unacceptable, while France's Interior Minister indicated plans to strengthen border controls with Spain. Italy's Prime Minister went further, threatening to suspend the country's open-border Schengen agreement with Spain, despite Italy sharing no land border with Spanish territory.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Ceuta on Friday and described the mass crossing as a violation of Spain's territorial sovereignty. In response, Spain announced plans to install additional containment barriers along the breakwater fence extending into the sea. Moroccan authorities deployed riot police equipped with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds gathered at the border and prevent further crossing attempts.
Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla represent the European Union's only land borders with Africa. These territories regularly experience waves of attempted crossings by individuals seeking to migrate to Europe, with migrants typically swimming from nearby Moroccan towns to reach Spanish territory.
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