Overview
- Tens of thousands of migrants entered Ceuta in a chaotic mass movement last week that Spanish authorities estimate at about 60,000–72,000 people and that left roughly 72–75 dead.
- Spanish police, the Civil Guard and military units moved in, a floating maritime barrier was installed, and officials say roughly 70,000 people have been returned to Morocco while a smaller number remain in Ceuta.
- Madrid and EU ministers say criminal smuggling networks and viral misinformation helped drive the surge, and Spanish and Moroccan authorities have launched investigations into trafficking, online rumours and whether Moroccan forces eased crossings.
- The episode prompted an emergency EU interior ministers’ meeting, temporary Schengen limits by Italy, and sharp political attacks at home against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over his recent migrant regularization policy.
- Hundreds of unaccompanied children are left stranded in Ceuta and Spain has approved emergency funds for minors while humanitarian groups warn of lasting hardship for those who could not be returned.