CEUTA, Spain (AP) — Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta territory within 24 hours, according to Ceuta’s president. This number represents about 70% of the city's population. However, the Spanish government reported that around half of these migrants returned voluntarily after the influx caused significant chaos and a humanitarian crisis. In response, Spain deployed armed forces and additional police to restore order in Ceuta, located on the Strait of Gibraltar.
On the Moroccan side, clashes occurred between security forces and migrants, resulting in at least 57 deaths, with some individuals drowning or dying in a stampede at a border checkpoint. Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas described the situation as unsustainable. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the breach of the border, labeling it a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity, and attributed the crisis to human smugglers.
The Spanish Interior Ministry later estimated that around 50,000 migrants had crossed since Thursday, with 37,500 returning to Morocco. Video footage showed Moroccan forces using tear gas to disperse migrants, while many were attempting to leave Ceuta due to dire conditions. Local workers' association leader Rachid Sbihi referred to the situation as a serious humanitarian crisis, noting that many migrants, including unaccompanied children, were left without shelter.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the images from Ceuta were unacceptable and called for an end to dangerous crossings and the dismantling of smuggling networks. The chaos resulted in numerous deaths, with some migrants expressing disappointment at finding no better opportunities in Spain. Moroccan police attempted to prevent crossings using water cannons and warning shots.
The surge in border crossings has been linked to a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that migrants arriving by sea could not be summarily deported, a decision that Sánchez claimed was misinterpreted by smugglers. Activists in Morocco questioned whether the ruling was the primary cause of the surge, suggesting that many migrants may not have been aware of it.