France, Italy tighten Spain border amid migrant crisis in Ceuta

France and Italy have significantly tightened their border controls with Spain in response to a major migrant crisis involving Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. The surge saw an estimated 60,000 people cross from Morocco, marking one of the largest such events for the European Union in recent years.

Spanish officials reported that over 48,000 migrants had been returned by Friday evening. The perilous journey into Ceuta involved many swimming around a border barrier. Tragically, at least 57 bodies were recovered on the Spanish side, with potential additional casualties on the Moroccan side due to drowning or crush injuries while attempting to scale the border fence.

In reaction, France announced a fivefold increase in its police and gendarme presence along the Spanish border, deploying 334 officers. Italy, meanwhile, suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain, halting visa-free movement for one month starting Saturday. This move reflects broader European concerns about border security and the integrity of the free movement zone.

Spain rushed troops, police, drones, and boats to Ceuta, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visiting the enclave. Despite the heavy security presence, some migrants were seen returning to Morocco. The influx disrupted local life, leading to closed shops and cancelled fiestas. A local taxi driver described the situation as "catastrophic," while acknowledging sympathy for the migrants' plight.

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It’s catastrophic. Sure, we sympathize with them, they’re having a terrible time in their own country.