Sanchez said organised crime groups had exploited the crisis and accused some foreign-linked information networks and far-right figures of amplifying fear and distrust.

He reaffirmed that Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities and called for stronger cooperation with Morocco, while arguing that migration could not be solved by border controls alone.

The government has approved a €309 million emergency package for Ceuta after around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco on July 30 and 31.

Daniel Lopez, President of Spain's Professional Police Union (SPP), called for stronger diplomatic cooperation with Morocco to speed up the return of migrants without a legal right to remain.

He said Ceuta was "a long way from returning to normal" and accused the central government of failing to provide sufficient personnel and resources.

Carlos Prieto, Secretary General of Spain's Unified Police Union (SUP), also called for "extraordinary measures" to identify and process new arrivals.

Police unions further criticised conditions for some officers deployed to Ceuta, alleging they had been forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor and share limited bathroom facilities.

Aaron Rivero, General Secretary of the JUPOL police union, said officers had also faced violent incidents involving knives and machetes. "There were fights among them - with machetes and knives - and when the police showed up, they all banded together to attack us," Rivero said.

The unions said the Government Delegation in Ceuta had not responded to requests for meetings. Tuesday's talks were attended by PP representatives and Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas.

Alex, one of the migrants, described difficult conditions and appealed to Spanish authorities for accommodation at Ceuta's Temporary Stay Centre for Immigrants (CETI).

"At night, it is very cold... I wish they would improve our situation. To admit us to the centre, to CETI," he said. "Our situation is inhumane," he added.

Another migrant, Adnan Menfas, said he had spent six hours swimming to Ceuta and was seeking asylum in Spain.

Others described risking their lives to reach the Spanish enclave. Mohamed, from Tetouan, said migrants had witnessed people dying during their journeys and were struggling without adequate food and clean water .

Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities said they intercepted more than 148 people around Fnideq as they attempted to cross irregularly into Ceuta.

Morocco and Spain have stepped up security amid calls on social media for another mass crossing into Ceuta and Melilla.

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.