Spain regains control of Ceuta after deadly migrant surge, most return to Morocco

Spain announced that it has re-established control over Ceuta after an unprecedented wave of migrants entered the enclave, resulting in 57 bodies recovered on the Spanish side and a likely higher death toll including possible casualties in Morocco. Government figures put the number of arrivals at around 50,000, with about 48,300 already returning to Morocco, though Ceuta’s regional president Juan Jesus Vivas suggested the total could have been as high as 60,000.

Moroccan security forces and Spanish riot police employed batons, tear gas, water cannons and deployed military vehicles to manage the crowds, while burnt vehicles were seen amid the clashes. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta, labeling the mass crossing a breach of Spain’s territorial sovereignty and pledging accelerated returns in coordination with Morocco. The incident heightened tensions within the EU, leading Italy to temporarily halt Schengen travel with Spain and prompting criticism from the United States State Department and a pledge by France to boost border security. Several right-wing parties across Europe blamed Spain’s migration policies, and the Guardia Civil association AUGC faulted the limited police presence during the surge.