At least 72 died in migrant surge to Ceuta

At least 72 people died last week as tens of thousands of migrants illegally crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Initial reports indicated 67 deaths, but authorities have since revised the figure upward.

According to Ceuta authorities, the majority of the 60,000 individuals who crossed the border have voluntarily returned to Morocco. Spanish police and military have maintained a presence on the streets of Ceuta, and the situation is reportedly returning to normal.

Justice and interior ministers from European Union member states are scheduled to hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday to address the issue. The influx of migrants has sparked an international dispute, leading Italy to temporarily suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain. Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen has suggested that the EU should consider temporarily removing Spain from the Schengen cooperation.