Spain's Pedro Sánchez was a hero of migrants. After Ceuta, he faces his biggest challenge

Spanish authorities have installed a 500-meter floating barrier off the border with Morocco in Ceuta, following a massive influx of migrants that resulted in at least 67 deaths. About 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta between Thursday and Saturday, with 48,000 returning to Morocco within 48 hours. Spanish police and soldiers have been patrolling the largely empty Tarajal beach, where the new barrier is being constructed.

The barrier, accompanied by anchored buoys, is designed to stand between 30 to 70 centimeters above water and extend below the surface. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska blamed people-smuggling networks for exploiting vulnerable migrants and spreading false information about a recent Supreme Court ruling. He also emphasized that Morocco remains a reliable partner and there is no intelligence suggesting an imminent mass entry.

The crisis has divided the EU, with some countries urging Spain to contain the situation and others criticizing Spain's exclusion from the Schengen travel area. The EU is considering additional support from Frontex and a review of cooperation with Morocco. Spain has a more open stance on migrants compared to other European countries, offering residency to undocumented migrants, but has not linked the influx to its regularization scheme.