- The unauthorized arrivals of 50,000 to 60,000, mostly young men, swelled Ceuta’s population by more than half.
- Spanish authorities said at least 72 migrants died, including by drowning and in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier.
- Far-right anti-immigrant politicians and influencers descended on the city, prompting counterprotests that included members of Ceuta’s large Muslim population.
- European Parliament member Alvise Pérez called for migrants to be expelled and had to shelter from protesters before police escorted him away.
- Local authorities had asked Madrid for reinforcements, while Vox leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta and called the surge 'an invasion.'
- Shops in Ceuta reopened and terraces refilled, but the city was still grappling with the aftermath and residents disagreed over blame.
- A local waiter said the young men were not to blame and the authorities were responsible, while some returning migrants described a border that was effectively open.
Ceuta is grappling with the aftermath of a significant border surge, where 50,000 to 60,000 migrants swelled the city’s population by more than half. By Sunday, most had returned to Morocco, but the city remains tense as locals debate the causes and responsibilities of the crisis.178
At least 72 migrants died during the chaotic crossing, with some drowning and others perishing in a stampede. Local waiter Mohamad Abdelkader Driss stated, “It’s not the young men’s fault... the authorities are responsible.” Many migrants reported an effectively open border, with little intervention from authorities as thousands crossed.2
The surge has attracted far-right politicians, including Santiago Abascal of the Vox party, who condemned the Spanish government, calling the situation an “invasion.” His visit sparked counterprotests from the city’s large Muslim population, many of whom are of Moroccan descent. Alvise Pérez, another far-right politician, faced backlash from locals during his visit, requiring police protection.456
Local authorities have requested reinforcements from Madrid to manage the ongoing crisis, which has left the city divided over the implications of the migrant influx and the political responses it has provoked.
“At least 72 migrants died, some drowning and others killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier, Spanish authorities said. Local officials had asked Madrid for reinforcements, and Ceuta's residents remain split on blame as shops reopen in the city of 84,000.”
