CEUTA — At least 57 people have died in a massive migration surge at the border between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Many of the fatalities occurred as people drowned while massive crowds overwhelmed border guards along both land and sea routes on Thursday.
An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants attempted to enter the small territory—which has a resident population of just 84,000—starting Thursday morning. However, Spanish officials confirmed that the majority of those who crossed had returned to Morocco by Friday evening.
While Spanish officials stated their intention to swiftly deport those who entered illegally, they face significant legal obstacles due to a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court prohibiting the immediate return of sea-arriving migrants to Morocco.
The unprecedented influx prompted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to travel directly to the exclave. Sánchez defended his nation’s handling of irregular migration while issuing a strong call for European unity, asserting that adherence to European Union treaties and data is non-negotiable.
In a post on X, Sánchez addressed rising criticism following recent border pressures, presenting official Frontex figures of irregular entries from 2021 to 2026 to contextualize Spain’s situation relative to other European entry points. “Solidarity and empathy are optional. Respect for European treaties and data is not,” Sánchez wrote.
His remarks come after Italy temporarily suspended its open-border travel with Spain following the major surge, stating that the decision was taken to safeguard Italian citizens and protect European frontiers. Italian officials noted that the move is permitted under European Union regulations and had become unavoidable as a result of the border situation in Ceuta. The pause will remain in effect for one month, according to the Italian Interior Ministry.
The events in Ceuta triggered immediate border security adjustments across Europe. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on X that he had directed additional inspections along the French-Spanish border, mobilizing hundreds of additional police officers alongside enhanced drone and aerial surveillance.
European Union leadership also expressed strong disapproval, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating on X, “We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules.”
The incident drew sharp criticism from Washington as well. US President Donald Trump addressed the crisis on social media, linking the events in Europe to American domestic politics ahead of upcoming elections.
“What’s happening with Spain, with tens of thousands of Illegal Immigrants invading it, happened in the United States during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, and it will happen again, only worse, if the Dumocrats ever again gain power. DON’T LET OUR COUNTRY BE DESTROYED. VOTE REPUBLICAN, AND BE PROUD OF THE U.S.A.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The US State Department also condemned Spain’s migration policies, claiming the crisis stemmed directly from the Spanish government’s deliberate attempts to facilitate illegal mass migration into Europe.
“We are considering actions to defend Americans at home and abroad from this threat and stand ready to assist other European allies considering similar options,” the department wrote on X.
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