At least 72 died in Spain’s Ceuta migrant rush
Most of the estimated 60,000 people who rushed into Spain's north African territory have returned to Morocco since the territory's largest mass migrant crossing.
Spanish authorities reported at least 72 fatalities during the recent mass influx of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave near Morocco. The incident occurred when tens of thousands of people, mostly attempting to swim across the border, overwhelmed the border crossing. Most of the estimated 60,000 migrants have since returned to Morocco.
Ceuta's government delegate, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, confirmed the latest death toll of 72, up from the previous count of 67. Spanish police and troops maintained a visible presence in the city as it returned to normalcy after the crisis. Rescue boats patrolled the waters surrounding the border, while soldiers detained a group of migrants near a housing project.
The crisis has sparked international condemnation, with European partners criticizing Spain's immigration policies. Spain has accused criminal gangs of spreading misinformation about a recent Supreme Court ruling that could ease migrant passage. Analysts suggest Morocco may be using the crisis as a diplomatic pressure tactic. In 2021, approximately 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, taking advantage of eased border controls.
The European Union pledged to address the issue by holding an urgent video call among its members. Italy temporarily suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, suspending visa-free movement for a month. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the "selfish" reactions from some EU countries.
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