Spain’s border enclave of Ceuta in North Africa sees a mass influx of migrants after a breach at the Morocco–Ceuta crossing points, with international and domestic authorities describing it as unprecedented. Multiple reports say that roughly 49,000 to 60,000 people enter Ceuta over about 24 hours. Ceuta’s president and other outlets cite at least 34 deaths during the crossings, while Spanish authorities, as reported by Human Rights Watch and others, say the death toll reaches at least 72, including drownings and people crushed while trying to climb barriers. Human Rights Watch also reports that most people crossing are Moroccan, with some from Sudan, Yemen, and other parts of West and North Africa, including asylum seekers.
By August 2, most people who crossed reportedly return to Morocco. The Spanish government says these returns are voluntary, while Human Rights Watch and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights allege that Spanish security forces carry out “mass pushbacks” without individual assessments, and they raise concerns about excessive force by both Spanish and Moroccan forces. Several sources also describe Spanish troop deployments and Morocco using water cannon trucks. The events renew scrutiny of the highly fortified Ceuta and Melilla borders and calls for independent investigations and access to asylum procedures.
