Thousands remain stranded in Ceuta after mass crossing from Morocco
Thousands of migrants who remained in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after a mass crossing from Morocco spent the night sleeping on pavements and in public spaces as Spanish security forces worked to regain control of the territory.
Civil Guard vessels patrolled the coastline while officers directed groups away from restricted areas. New arrivals cheered as they reached the shore, while others gathered around small fires or rested outdoors after reception facilities became overwhelmed.
Spain's Interior Ministry estimated that around 50,000 people entered Ceuta, while the regional government put the figure as high as 60,000. Many crossed on foot or by swimming around coastal border barriers.
Thousands, including unaccompanied children, were left without shelter. Some migrants said they were returning to Morocco because they could not find food or accommodation in Ceuta.
Spanish authorities said at least 57 people died during the crossings, either by drowning or in crushes near the border.
Spanish security officials estimated that around 53,000 people later returned voluntarily to Morocco, although they said departures were easier to count than arrivals.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the mass crossing as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and said the government was working with Morocco to accelerate returns and strengthen border security.
The crisis also prompted political tensions across Europe. Italy temporarily restored border checks for air and sea travel from Spain, while France strengthened controls along its border with Spain.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes as "unacceptable", calling for an end to dangerous crossings, action against migrant smuggling networks and faster returns under European Union rules.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
