Spain installs floating barrier in Ceuta after deadly migrant rush

Spanish authorities have successfully installed a 500-meter floating barrier off the border of Ceuta with Morocco, following a deadly migrant rush that claimed at least 67 lives. The barrier, anchored with naval buoys, stands 30 to 70 centimeters above water and extends one meter below the surface, designed to prevent mass crossings.

About 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta via land and sea between Thursday and Saturday, with over 48,000 returning to Morocco within 48 hours. Europol coordinated an emergency meeting with 22 EU member states following the incident, with Ireland calling for an urgent video conference of interior ministers to address the crisis. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Italy's decision to suspend passport-free Schengen travel arrangements with Madrid, deeming it a "selfish, polarizing and unlawful" reaction.

At least 67 bodies have been recovered from the Spanish side of the frontier, with many victims drowning or being crushed while attempting to climb the breakwater and border fence. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska blamed people-smuggling networks for exploiting vulnerable migrants and spreading misinformation regarding a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The AUGC union for Spain's Civil Guard has requested an additional 200 officers to reinforce security measures.