Key facts
- Around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco since Friday.
- Approximately 25,000 of these migrants have already been returned to Morocco.
- The Spanish government deployed the army to assist security forces in Ceuta.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the mass crossings as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity.
- At least 34 people reportedly died attempting to swim to Ceuta.
Approximately 25,000 migrants have been returned to Morocco after a mass border crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to Spain's Interior Ministry. This figure represents nearly half of the estimated 60,000 people who illegally entered Ceuta since early Friday. The influx has overwhelmed Spanish authorities and humanitarian organizations in the city, which has a population of just under 83,000.
In response to the unprecedented arrivals, the Spanish government deployed the army to reinforce security. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta, condemning the crossings as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity." Defence Minister Margarita Robles warned migrants against attempting the dangerous journey, citing returns in accordance with Spanish law.
Local media also reported at least 34 deaths among those attempting to swim from Morocco to Ceuta. Clashes between Moroccan police and migrants trying to reach the enclave were reported overnight, with some individuals still attempting to enter by swimming around the Tarajal breakwater.