Ceuta Counts Cost of Deadly Migrant Border Surge

CEUTA-Spanish authorities continued recovery operations on Sunday after an unprecedented migrant surge into the North African enclave of Ceuta left at least 72 people dead, while most of the tens of thousands who entered the territory in recent days had already returned to neighboring Morocco.

The mass crossing, which unfolded on Thursday and Friday, saw between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants swim, climb and rush into the Spanish territory, temporarily increasing Ceuta’s population of about 84,000 by more than half. Spanish civil guard vessels continued searching coastal waters for additional victims as the city gradually returned to normal activity.

Shops, restaurants and cafes reopened over the weekend, with residents and tourists returning to public spaces. Despite the calmer atmosphere, the consequences of the border crisis continued to dominate political debate and public discussion in the enclave.

Spanish authorities said at least 72 migrants died during the surge. According to officials, some victims drowned while attempting the sea crossing, while others were killed in a stampede near a breakwater barrier during the chaotic rush into the territory.

The humanitarian emergency has revived broader debate over migration policy in Spain and across Europe, with local residents offering sharply different views on the causes of the crisis and responsibility for the events.

Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, a waiter in Ceuta, told the Associated Press that migrants should not be blamed for attempting to cross after the border was effectively left open. He argued that responsibility rested with the authorities rather than with the young men who entered the enclave.

Some migrants who returned to Morocco said border controls had been largely absent during the crossing, describing a situation in which thousands were able to enter while security forces did little to stop them.

Although many migrants have since gone back to Morocco, others remained in Ceuta, attempting to avoid detection and stay inside the Spanish territory.

The crisis also intensified political tensions. Far-right politicians and right-wing social media figures traveled to Ceuta over the weekend, calling for tougher immigration measures and the expulsion of migrants who remained in the enclave.

Alvise Pérez, a member of the European Parliament, called for deportations during a public appearance on Saturday. His visit drew counterprotests from residents, including members of Ceuta’s sizeable Muslim community, many of whom are of Moroccan origin. Police later escorted Pérez away after demonstrators surrounded the area where he had sought shelter.

Among the demonstrators was student Noor Ahmed, who accused visiting political figures of exploiting the humanitarian situation for political purposes.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal also visited Ceuta on Sunday, criticizing Spain’s government over the mass arrivals and describing the incident as an “invasion.” He said Spain’s borders in Ceuta and Melilla were not being adequately protected.

The events have also prompted reflection among residents of Ceuta, a city known for the coexistence of Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities. While many residents stressed the enclave’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, others questioned whether recent events had exposed deeper social divisions.

Resident Eva Barrientos said relations among the city’s diverse communities had historically been peaceful but argued that the crisis had raised concerns over loyalty among some foreign-born residents.

Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that he was following developments in Ceuta with concern and prayed that peaceful, stable and just solutions could be found. Migration has been a prominent issue during his papacy, including during a recent visit to Spain’s Canary Islands, another major gateway for migrants seeking to reach Europe.