CEUTA, Spain – On July 30, 2026, thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave. At least nine migrants died during the attempt. Spain will deploy its military to restore order as requested by local authorities overwhelmed by the crisis.
Spain’s government stated that the Armed Forces will assist the Civil Guard in Ceuta. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska plan to visit Ceuta. According to Rachid Sbihi, who represents the Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, the situation at the border has become chaotic, with thousands crossing despite collapsed border controls.
Achraf Maimouni, from the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, called the situation exceptional. Videos showed mainly Moroccans crossing at Tarajal beach. Among them were families, women, and children. They reportedly shouted “Viva España!” in excitement as they reached Spanish soil.
Details surrounding the deaths of nine people remain limited, but bodies have been found in the water. The increased arrivals have posed challenges with unresolved causes. Moroccan authorities have not commented publicly, and inquiries to Morocco’s Interior Ministry went unanswered.
Spain’s Interior Ministry conveyed Morocco’s cooperation in managing the situation. Both nations agreed to return migrants who entered illegally. Despite requests, Spain’s government did not declare a national emergency concerning migration.
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend the Schengen agreement with Spain. Ceuta authorities tied the surge to a Supreme Court ruling that barred immediate return of migrants arriving by sea. However, activists argue most migrants were unaware of the ruling.
Migrants frequently swim approximately 3.1 miles from Morocco’s Fnideq to reach Ceuta. Others start from Belyounech, covering a shorter distance. The situation echoes the May 2021 border crisis, involving 8,000 migrants. Morocco had previously eased controls amid diplomatic tensions with Spain.
Ceuta’s regional leader Juan Jesús Vivas urged for an emergency declaration and deployment of the army for border security. Reception centers are overwhelmed. Hundreds of migrants sleep on the streets. In recent weeks, 1,500 migrants entered, with more arriving overnight.
Spain’s Interior Ministry will release a migration report on August 3. As of July 15, nearly 3,000 migrants have reached Ceuta this year. Ceuta’s mixed population of Christians and Muslims coexist behind a border fence that many migrants attempt to cross in hopes of a better life in Europe.
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