Key facts
- Approximately 100 people died during a large border rush into Spain's Ceuta enclave.
- Ceuta's leader, Juan Jesus Vivas, provided the death toll during an EU parliamentary meeting.
- Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants are still in Ceuta.
- The incident involved an estimated 80,000 people breaching the border from Morocco.
- Spanish authorities reported at least 72 deaths, including drownings and stampedes.
Approximately 100 people died during a massive border rush into Spain's Ceuta enclave last week, according to the city's leader, Juan Jesus Vivas. Vivas made the statement on Thursday during an EU parliamentary meeting. He also indicated that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta.
The incident, which occurred in late July 2026, saw an estimated 80,000 people, predominantly young men, illegally cross the border from Morocco into Ceuta. Smaller numbers attempted to cross into Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city. Spanish government officials stated that by August 3, about 70,000 people had voluntarily returned to Morocco. By August 3-4, at least 99 migrants were reported to have died as a result of the incident, with Spanish authorities reporting at least 72 deaths from drownings and stampedes.
The surge overwhelmed local reception facilities and prompted the government of Ceuta to request a national emergency declaration from the Spanish government. Most migrants entered by swimming around breakwaters or crossing on foot. The event has reignited debate around immigration in Europe. Far-right politicians have called for the expulsion of remaining migrants, leading to counterprotests.