Spain sends troops and police to Ceuta as migrant influx claims dozens of lives

In a dramatic surge, tens of thousands of people arrived in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, and at least 34 died while attempting the crossing by sea or land. Authorities said many drowned and others were killed in a crush at the fence near Tarajal beach. Spain bolstered the enclave with military units and extra police, while Morocco deployed security personnel and water cannons to push back the crowds.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez toured Ceuta, met with security officials, and vowed to protect the city, promising to return migrants to Morocco as quickly as possible and hinting at legal reforms to facilitate repatriations. The incident has intensified political pressure on Sanchez ahead of elections, with opposition leaders demanding a state of emergency and other EU members, including France and Italy, announcing stricter border checks and even discussing suspending Spain’s Schengen participation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the images and called for swift action against smuggling networks.