Madrid: Spain is grappling with one of the largest migration crises in recent years after tens of thousands of people crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco within a span of two days. Authorities confirmed that 57 people have died during the chaotic crossings, with officials warning that the toll could rise further.
According to Spanish authorities, many victims reportedly drowned while attempting to reach Ceuta by sea, while others lost their lives in overcrowded conditions near the heavily fortified border barriers. Officials also indicated that additional casualties may have occurred on the Moroccan side.
The Spanish Interior Ministry estimated that around 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta since Thursday. By Friday evening, nearly 48,300 people had voluntarily returned to Morocco or had been sent back as authorities worked to restore order. Local officials, however, suggested the total number of crossings may have been even higher.
Security forces from both countries launched a large-scale operation to contain the situation. Moroccan police used batons, tear gas and water cannons to stop fresh attempts to breach the border, while Spanish military personnel were deployed across key entry points inside Ceuta. The unrest also left vehicles damaged and several public areas affected.
Many migrants cited the lack of food, shelter and basic facilities inside the enclave as the reason for returning. Several individuals told media outlets they had spent hours swimming across the sea or crossing difficult terrain, only to find limited assistance after reaching Spanish territory.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the mass crossings as a serious challenge to the country’s territorial integrity and said authorities were accelerating the repatriation process in coordination with Morocco. The developments have also sparked debate across Europe, with some countries calling for tighter border controls while others stressed the need for a coordinated humanitarian response.
The crisis has also prompted diplomatic tensions within the European Union. Italy announced temporary restrictions affecting travel with Spain under the Schengen framework, a move Madrid criticised as inconsistent with EU rules. France, meanwhile, said it would strengthen security along its border with Spain and increase surveillance to prevent secondary migration.
Ceuta and Melilla remain the European Union’s only land borders with Africa and have frequently witnessed attempts by migrants seeking entry into Europe. However, officials say the latest influx is unprecedented in scale, raising fresh concerns over border security, humanitarian assistance and regional migration management.
