Lead

The death toll from the mass crossing of migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has risen to at least 72, according to Spanish authorities. The figures mark one of the deadliest episodes in recent migration across the Mediterranean, as tens of thousands of people, mostly young men, entered the territory from Morocco between Thursday and Friday, July 30-31, 2026.

Spanish officials said the deaths included migrants who drowned and others who were killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier. The influx briefly increased the population of Ceuta, an autonomous city of roughly 84,000, by more than half.

Coverage comparison

Reports differ on the exact death toll. While several outlets, including France 24 English and Dawn, reported at least 72 deaths as of Sunday, August 2, the Spanish government had earlier put the figure at 67, as noted by Africa News, The Hindu, and The Guardian. A separate report from Jerusalem Post, citing a Spanish government representative, also confirmed at least 72 deaths, with five more bodies found along the coast on Sunday.

Similarly, the number of migrants who crossed into Ceuta varies. Africa News, The Hindu, and TASS English reported that around 60,000 migrants breached the frontier, while Jerusalem Post mentioned more than 50,000 crossing by land and sea. TASS English later cited Spanish figures of about 72,000 illegal immigrants entering the enclave.

Most sources agree that the majority of migrants have returned to Morocco. Spain's interior ministry said the majority of those who entered have already returned, while Spanish foreign minister José Albares stated that "practically the entirety of those who entered Ceuta have already returned to Morocco." TASS English reported about 70,000 of the 72,000 migrants had returned.

Key claims

  • The death toll from the mass crossing is at least 72, according to Spanish authorities, with some reports from the weekend counting 67 deaths. The Spanish government representative to Ceuta, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, confirmed the higher figure on Sunday.
  • An estimated 60,000 migrants breached Ceuta's border between Thursday and Friday, July 30-31, according to multiple reports. Jerusalem Post gave a figure of more than 50,000 crossing.
  • Spain has installed a 500-meter-long floating barrier extending from the breakwater into the sea to deter further crossings, as reported by several outlets. TASS English specified the barrier is inflatable, 500 meters long, with a height above water of 0.3 to 0.7 meters and an underwater part up to 1 meter deep.
  • The majority of migrants have returned to Morocco. Spain's interior ministry said most had already returned, and TASS English reported about 70,000 of the 72,000 had left.
  • More than 1,000 people had been treated by health services since Thursday, according to the Spanish government representative in Ceuta, as reported by Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Spanish government

Spanish authorities, including Ceuta's President Juan Jesus Vivas, have said the return of migrants has begun "satisfactorily" but that the process must be completed. The government has installed the sea barrier and deployed military to help secure the border and manage the aftermath.

Migrants and local residents

Some migrants who remain in Ceuta expressed determination to reach mainland Spain for work. Mohamed Hatri, a 23-year-old Moroccan, said shops had been closed to force them to return, but he intended to stay. Local residents have expressed anxiety about illegal migration, while some, like waiter Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, placed responsibility on authorities rather than the migrants.

Far-right leaders

Far-right leaders, including Santiago Abascal of Spain's Vox party, called for tighter border security and the removal of migrants. Abascal described the influx as "an invasion" and criticized the government's handling of the border.