Ceuta leader says 100 migrants died in border rush

Ceuta's leader Juan Jesus Vivas disclosed to EU lawmakers that approximately 100 individuals perished during the recent border rush on Morocco's North African territory. Vivas further informed that the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the event, particularly the influx of unaccompanied migrant minors. This visit to Brussels occurred a week after an estimated 72,000 migrants traversed the border between Morocco and Ceuta, leading to tensions among several EU nations and Spain.

Italy's suspension of the Schengen free-travel agreement with Spain ensued. Subsequently, the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras reported that 141 people had died on July 30, with 63 fatalities in Morocco and 78 in Ceuta. The Spanish government claimed that nearly all migrants returned to Morocco, but Vivas pointed out that 3,000 to 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta.

He criticized the inadequate security resources and border rejections handling. Of particular concern for Ceuta is the large number of unaccompanied minors left there following the border rush, which he termed "unsustainable." He urgently sought government assistance for these children enduring harsh conditions with limited access to necessities.

A Spanish immigration law reform in 2025 aimed to redistribute unaccompanied minors from overwhelmed territories within 15 days, but resistance is anticipated from regions governed by the center-right Popular Party (PP) and anti-immigration Vox party. The socialist government has urged compliance with the law, emphasizing its necessity for all members.