72 Die in Ceuta Migrant Rush
At least 72 people died during the mass influx of approximately 60,000 migrants into Spain’s Ceuta enclave from Morocco. Most of the migrants have since returned to Morocco, with Spanish police and troops patrolling the streets of Ceuta as the enclave largely returns to normal. The government’s delegate to Ceuta, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, confirmed the latest death toll, which has risen from the previous 67 deaths.
The largest migrant rush into the enclave has caused an international crisis for Spain, with European partners criticizing Madrid for its immigration policies. The EU has announced a video call to discuss a coordinated response to the crisis, while Italy has implemented a one-month suspension of its Schengen agreement with Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has blasted the “selfish” reaction by some EU countries, while Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over the situation.
The border crossing was calm, with groups of workers picking up trash and clothes left behind during the mass crossing. Civil Guard were taking migrants off a bus to escort them back to the border post to return to Morocco. Rumors that a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling on immigration would allow migrants easier passage may have contributed to the mass crossing, with some analysts suggesting Morocco may have allowed migrants to cross the border to put diplomatic pressure on Spain.
60,000 migrants entered Spain’s Ceuta, with many seeking passage to mainland Spain. The crisis has sparked an international response, with the EU and individual countries taking steps to address the situation.
The crisis in Ceuta is not an isolated incident, as it follows a similar event in 2021, where around 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, taking advantage of Morocco easing border controls as a way to pressure Spain.
