A dramatic surge of migrants into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta has largely subsided, with authorities reporting that most of those who crossed from Morocco have returned.
Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, said the situation had “almost entirely reversed” after an estimated 60,000 migrants entered the territory over several days, according to Ceuta’s regional leader Juan Jesus Vivas.
By Saturday, Spanish soldiers and police were overseeing the return of the remaining migrants, many of whom had crossed into Ceuta by swimming around coastal barriers separating the enclave from Morocco.
The operation came after one of the largest sudden migrant movements into European territory in recent years, triggering renewed debate over border security and migration policies across the European Union.
The influx created political pressure across Europe, prompting several EU countries to call for an urgent meeting to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled border crossings.
France also announced tighter checks along its border with Spain, increasing police deployment in the area, while Italy temporarily suspended parts of its Schengen arrangement with Spain.
Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, criticised what he described as a selfish response from some European partners, while urging greater cooperation among EU members.
Madrid deployed additional security resources to Ceuta, including military personnel, police units, drones and maritime patrols, as authorities worked to restore control along the border.
The aftermath of the crossings remained visible on Saturday, with abandoned inflatable equipment, swimming gear and other items left along the coastline.
Spanish authorities also installed a new 500-metre pneumatic barrier near the border area as part of efforts to strengthen security.
The exact reason behind the sudden movement of migrants remains unclear, while Moroccan authorities have not officially explained the circumstances that allowed thousands to reach the border.
Officials said those returned from Ceuta were being transported back into Morocco by bus or through transport links in the city of Tangier.
Ceuta, covering about 18.5 square kilometres, and neighbouring Melilla are Spain’s only land territories connected directly to Africa, making them frequent entry points for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Similar migration surges have occurred during periods of diplomatic tension between Spain and Morocco, including in 2021 when more than 10,000 people entered Ceuta within two days.
