International
oi-Swastika Sruti
In an unprecedented turn, Spain has begun regaining control of migrants crossed into Ceuta, its North African enclave, from neighbouring Morocco.
Spain is regaining control of its North African enclave, Ceuta, after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco; authorities report many have returned voluntarily and 34 deaths occurred amid tightened border security.
According to the sources, Spanish authorities said tens of thousands of people entered the territory over two days, but many have already started returning voluntarily as security measures were tightened on both sides of the border.
Thousands Cross Into Ceuta in Unprecedented Border Rush
Based on the Spain’s Interior Ministry, about 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta since Thursday morning. Officials said nearly 25,000 migrants have already returned to Morocco voluntarily.
However, Ceuta’s regional leader Juan Jesus Vivas estimated that as many as 60,000 people entered the enclave, describing the incident as one of the biggest migration surges the region has ever witnessed.
Huge crowds of illegal migrants are running amok in Ceuta, looting stores and breaking into the homes of local people.
50 000 illegal migrants stormed the Spanish border in 1 day
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 31, 2026
The tragedy also claimed lives. Spanish authorities initially reported that 19 bodies were recovered from the sea, while local officials later said the death toll had risen to 34.
Heavy Security Deployed on Both Sides
The Moroccan security forces tried to stop more people from crossing, they used tear gas, water cannons to disperse the people at the border.
On the Spanish side, military vehicles and security personnel were deployed to secure vulnerable areas of the border. Reuters reported seeing damaged vehicles and signs of clashes near the crossing points after crowds attempted to force their way through.
🚨BREAKING: Spain launches new method to clear Ceuta of the recent migrant invasion. pic.twitter.com/hWklb355w3
— Dr. Clown, PhD (@DrClownPhD) July 30, 2026
Despite the heavy security presence, many migrants continued to gather near the border in search of alternative routes into the Spanish territory.
Many Migrants Turn Back After Facing Difficult Conditions
As security tightened, several hundred migrants returned to Morocco through official checkpoints and openings in the border fence.
Many said they had struggled to find food, shelter or basic facilities after entering Ceuta.
One young Moroccan man told Reuters that he regretted making the journey and decided to return home after spending nearly a day without food despite carrying some money.
PM Pedro Sanchez Calls Crossing a Sovereignty Issue
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta on Friday and described the mass entry as a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty.
He said authorities were working closely with Morocco to speed up the repatriation of those who had entered illegally while restoring order along the border.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s two autonomous territories in North Africa and represent the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. While both cities frequently experience attempts by migrants to enter Europe, officials said the latest influx was unprecedented in scale.
France announced that it would strengthen checks along its border with Spain, while Italy warned it could consider suspending Spain’s participation in the Schengen open-border system if migration pressures continue.
