Spain repatriates tens of thousands of migrants from Ceuta within two days
After a sudden influx of about 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, authorities returned roughly 48,000 to Morocco within 48 hours.
An unprecedented wave of roughly 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta on Thursday, overwhelming the enclave and prompting what officials called a humanitarian and security emergency. Within two days, Spanish forces had escorted or returned about 48,000 individuals to Morocco, using soldiers, police and water-cannon tactics, while some migrants hid in tunnels or roamed the streets. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that border control was re-established, humanitarian aid was provided, and the vast majority of irregular entrants were sent back, in coordination with Moroccan authorities.
A 500-metre inflatable barrier was deployed as a temporary measure, and additional troops and police were stationed throughout Ceuta. Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas condemned the surge as unsustainable and blamed smuggling networks, while EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, called for swift action against illegal crossings. Morocco’s ambassador Karima Benyaich said the episode occurred against Morocco’s wishes and emphasized the country’s preference for orderly migration.
Why it matters
The swift mass return highlights growing migration pressures on EU borders and the need for coordinated European responses.
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