Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta and called the situation a 'grave violation of territorial integrity,' while Moroccan authorities transport more than 100 detainees inland.
At least 57 people have died at the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta during a mass influx of migrants, according to N1 Croatia, citing local authorities. The same source reports that 60,000 migrants entered Spain, triggering an unprecedented crisis in this North African enclave.
Moroccan authorities have arrested dozens of young people and minors following clashes near the Bab Sebta border crossing. According to a report by Hespress English on July 31, 2026, more than 100 individuals were transported in two buses to various destinations in central Morocco. An official source confirmed to Hespress that the final number of arrests has not yet been determined and could rise in the coming hours.
Clashes between groups of migrants and Moroccan security forces have been reported in the border area, including stone-throwing and attempts to breach border barriers, according to N1 Croatia. Authorities are working to identify those who may face prosecution on suspicion of vandalism and attacks on security personnel and civilian vehicles.
According to N1 Croatia, thousands of people, mostly young men but also families with children, are gathered in the hills along the border, waiting for an opportunity to enter Spain. Tensions remain high near the Tarajal crossing, where groups of minors and young men have repeatedly tried to approach the sea, but Moroccan security forces have prevented further movement toward Ceuta.
Among those transported inland are minors from the cities of Salé, Casablanca, and El Jadida, as well as people from Ksar El Kebir, Larache, and other areas. Meanwhile, irregular migrants have continued to voluntarily return from Ceuta to Morocco. Several returnees told Hespress journalists near the border that they were beaten or mistreated by Spanish authorities and local residents, with some claiming they were denied food and water for two days, prompting their return. Hespress notes it could not independently verify these claims.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish enclaves in North Africa, surrounded by Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea. According to Tagesschau, Ceuta covers about 18.5 square kilometers and has around 84,000 inhabitants, while Melilla has about 87,000 inhabitants over 12.3 square kilometers. Both enclaves date back to the 15th century and have frequently been targets of mass migration attempts, including in 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Tagesschau also notes that Morocco is suspected of deliberately allowing migrants through to exert pressure on the European Union, particularly in the context of the dispute over Western Sahara, whose status remains internationally unresolved.
The crisis has sparked strong political reactions in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who visited Ceuta on Friday, described the situation as a "grave violation of Spain's territorial integrity and its borders" and promised to use "all available instruments" to ensure the safety of citizens and expedite repatriation, according to N1 Croatia. The BBC reports that Sánchez also called the situation an "attack" and stated that all illegal migrants would be returned to Morocco "as soon as possible."
Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, called on Madrid to act urgently, highlighting the sense of insecurity among residents. The Spanish government announced that more than 48,300 migrants have returned to Morocco, while the BBC reports that over 25,000 have returned voluntarily. More than 400 additional National Police and Civil Guard officers have been deployed to Ceuta, along with Spanish army units.
The highway connecting Tangier and Fnideq continues to see new arrivals of people attempting to reach the border, after thousands crossed into Ceuta earlier this week. Official sources expect the situation to gradually stabilize but also announce significant reinforcements before evening.
Spain's right-wing opposition, including the People's Party (PP) and Vox, has accused the government of an inadequate response to the crisis, according to N1 Croatia. Residents of Ceuta describe the situation as "rivers of people" on the streets and an unprecedented strain on humanitarian services, with many shops closed as a precaution.
