Spanish authorities say most of the estimated 50,000 migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco this week have now returned.
The mass crossing led to a humanitarian crisis, with at least 57 people reported dead. Many of the victims are believed to have drowned while trying to reach Ceuta by swimming or crossing through crowded border areas.
The sudden arrival of thousands of migrants overwhelmed the small Spanish territory, which has a population of about 84,000. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez quickly visited Ceuta and described the mass crossing as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.
Spain said it plans to remove people who entered illegally as quickly as possible, although a recent ruling by the country’s Supreme Court says migrants who arrive by sea cannot automatically be returned to Morocco.
By Friday, many migrants had already gone back to Morocco on their own after struggling to find food, shelter and other basic necessities in Ceuta.
Spanish officials estimated that about 50,000 people crossed into the territory, while Ceuta’s regional government put the figure closer to 60,000.
Many migrants said they decided to make the journey after seeing videos on social media showing others successfully crossing into Ceuta. Some also believed the recent Supreme Court ruling would make it easier for them to remain in Spain.
Economic hardship is also driving migration. Many young Moroccans face unemployment and limited opportunities, making the risky journey more appealing. Calm weather conditions also made sea crossings easier.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories located in North Africa, but Morocco claims both areas and does not recognize Spain’s sovereignty over them. Some analysts questioned whether Moroccan authorities did enough to stop the mass crossing.
The crisis has raised concerns across Europe. Italy announced temporary border checks on some travelers arriving from Spain, while France increased security checks along its border with Spain.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said people must follow the European Union’s immigration rules before entering the bloc.
The migrant surge has also intensified political debate in Spain. Opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Sánchez’s immigration policies, while the government blamed false information spread by people smugglers for encouraging thousands of people to attempt the crossing.
The United States also criticized Spain’s immigration approach, saying it encouraged illegal migration.
This is not the first major migrant crossing into Ceuta. In May 2021, more than 8,000 migrants entered the territory within two days, but this week’s influx is considered the largest ever recorded.
Spanish authorities continue to monitor the situation as many migrants return to Morocco and security remains tight along the border.
