What happened
At least 72 people died after a mass influx of migrants rushed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish authorities say up to 60,000 people crossed the border in two days at the end of July. Most of them have now returned to Morocco, escorted by the Spanish army.
Rescue crews searched the waters around the border barrier, where a new floating boom has been installed. The Civil Guard recovered bodies from the sea near the crossing point. Officials say autopsies are still underway and the death toll could rise.
Why the border broke
Spain blames criminal smuggling gangs for spreading rumors that a recent Supreme Court ruling would make it easier for migrants to stay in the country. The ruling ended summary “hot returns” for migrants intercepted at sea. High youth unemployment in Morocco and calm summer seas added to the pressure, pushing tens of thousands of people toward the tiny territory.
The crossings took place on July 30 and 31. Many people swam around the border post from Moroccan beaches. Others climbed the fence or arrived by boat. The scale of the movement overwhelmed local police and army units stationed in the enclave.
Political fallout across Europe
The crisis has reopened Europe's divide over migration. Far-right leaders called for tighter border security and the removal of migrants who remained in the enclave. Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain's Vox party, visited Ceuta and called the influx “an invasion.”
The European Union held emergency talks on the situation. Italy suspended the Schengen border-free travel rules in response. Authorities are also taking seriously social media warnings of a new crossing attempt on August 15. Both Spain and Morocco have reinforced the border, and local officials say they are preparing for that date.
The deaths have also intensified the political fight over immigration inside Spain, where the government faces pressure from all sides over how it handled the crisis.