At least 57 dead as over 48,000 migrants leave Ceuta for Morocco
At least 57 people have lost their lives during the historic migration wave into Ceuta, while more than 48,000 individuals have already voluntarily returned to Morocco.
The staggering human toll emerged as local media documented the aftermath of the border breach, which saw roughly 60,000 people cross into the Spanish North African enclave. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attributed the chaotic surge to trafficking mafias that deliberately spread a self-serving interpretation of a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding migrants intercepted at sea.
By Friday evening, a massive reverse migration materialised as tens of thousands of people chose to go back across the border. One returning individual spoke to Reuters to express deep regret over the perilous undertaking, explicitly warning others not to attempt the journey because people were dying.
Local residents described a tense atmosphere where businesses closed and families sheltered indoors out of fear as public squares filled with crowds seeking food. Witnesses reported seeing thousands of people in swimming costumes emerging directly from the sea, noting that the overwhelming numbers paralysed normal city functions.
A deadly toll and voluntary departures
The tragedy left its mark on the territory, with fatalities mounting rapidly as crowds attempted to navigate coastal waters and barriers. Usually, individuals attempting to enter Ceuta must swim several kilometres from further up the coast, but this time crowds managed to approach the border fence with ease. While some walked along the rocks on the jetty, most had to swim out and around to reach the beaches on the other side.
Among those who crossed the border illegally were approximately 7,000 minors alongside women, children and infants. Morocco, which suffers from a high unemployment rate, witnessed several Gen Z anti-government protests last year with young people demanding better opportunities and improved public services.
Despite the overwhelming influx that equated to roughly 70% of the city’s population, the swift cooperation between Spanish and Moroccan authorities facilitated the repatriation of the tens of thousands who chose to turn back. Moroccan authorities worked closely with Madrid to ensure the ongoing return of all individuals who entered illegally.
International reactions and repatriation efforts
While more than 48,000 people successfully made the journey home to Morocco, the humanitarian crisis triggered intense geopolitical shockwaves across Europe.
Italy responded to the unprecedented scenes by suspending the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain, drawing sharp criticism from Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares. The Spanish official dismissed the Italian measures as partisan demagoguery and summoned the Italian ambassador to Madrid for formal consultations.
Other international figures weighed in heavily on the catastrophe, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling the images unacceptable and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanding immediate deportations. U.S. President Donald Trump also labelled the situation a catastrophe caused by weak management.
