Most Ceuta Migrants Return to Morocco After Deadly Border Surge

Spanish officials report that the vast majority of the more than 50,000 migrants who surged into the enclave of Ceuta from Morocco have now returned to the Moroccan side of the border. This follows one of the most intense and deadly border crossings in recent memory, which saw authorities working to restore order.

The chaotic rush into Ceuta on Thursday and Friday resulted in at least 72 deaths, according to Spanish officials. The victims reportedly perished from drowning, stampedes near border barriers, and other incidents related to the overwhelming surge. Medical services treated over 1,000 individuals following the breach, and while the situation has significantly improved, the city requires time to fully recover.

Moroccan authorities, however, reported 11 deaths during the crossing attempts, including 10 who drowned and one who died falling from a rocky area. They are reviewing Spain's higher death toll. Morocco's Interior Ministry attributed the crisis to misinformation on social media, human trafficking networks, and a Spanish court ruling affecting migrant returns.

The border crisis has ignited political disputes within Spain and across Europe. Opposition parties have criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government for its migration management. Conservative leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo visited Ceuta, accusing the government of failing to prevent the breach, while far-right leader Santiago Abascal labeled the incident an "invasion" and called for stricter border controls. These events have intensified debates over Spain's migration policies, with some European nations considering tighter immigration controls.

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Ceuta is returning to normal, but there is still work to be done.