At least 72 dead as 60,000 migrants storm Spanish exclave Ceuta; Morocco denies orchestrating influx

The border breach

In the early hours of 31 July, a human tide began moving from Morocco toward Ceuta, a Spanish exclave on the North African coast. By the time the surge subsided, Spanish authorities estimated that up to 60,000 people, mostly young Moroccans, had crossed the border, many swimming through the Mediterranean. The influx coincided with Morocco's Thronfest, the anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession, and a pro-government newspaper that day called Ceuta and Melilla "occupied cities on Moroccan territory whose current status is untenable". Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the event as an "attack on our territorial sovereignty". Morocco's interior ministry later blamed "malicious abuse" of social networks and fake news about a Spanish court ruling for inciting the crowd.

Death toll and stranded minors

At least 72 people died, many drowning or being crushed in the chaos. A 17-year-old from Tangier told the Associated Press she watched her eight-year-old brother pulled dead from the sea. "I saw people stepping on the bodies," she said. "Now it's us children begging on the streets." By Monday, 3 August, 860 unaccompanied minors remained in Ceuta, part of an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 migrants who had evaded deportation. The city's migrant reception centre, built for 600, was full, and AP journalists reported food shortages. Most adult Moroccans had either returned voluntarily or been sent back by Spanish police, but many from Sudan, Afghanistan and other countries stayed, unable to be easily returned.

I saw people stepping on the bodies. Now it's us children begging on the streets.

Political blame and intelligence findings

Morocco's interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi insisted the kingdom had not orchestrated the influx and remained a "reliable partner" against irregular migration. However, Spanish intelligence agency CNI concluded that while Rabat did not plan the surge, it deliberately allowed the situation to escalate. Videos showed Moroccan security forces standing by passively as thousands crossed. Expert Isabelle Werenfels of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) cautioned against simple explanations, noting that Morocco would have "very much to lose" from a deliberate provocation, including international credibility and investment. Migration researcher Jochen Oltmer of the University of Osnabrück pointed to a mix of factors: Ceuta's unique geography, decades of migration networks, social media dynamics, and the hope for a better life.

The events were caused by the malicious abuse of social networks, misleading information and misinterpretations of a Spanish Supreme Court ruling.

Ceuta under strain

Residents described the days as an invasion. Turia Ashad al-Ouzghari, 57, barricaded herself at home. "People are unpredictable when they are hungry and thirsty," she said. On Friday, police ordered small shops to close; only large supermarkets remained open under guard. Business owner Nebil Ali said he lost €12,000 after shutting his beachside snack bar for two days. Police and soldiers patrolled the streets, chasing migrants in what one report called a "cat-and-mouse game". By Monday, more than 48,000 people had returned to Morocco, but around 1,700 remained, many barefoot and in swimwear, searching for water, food and internet to call home.

We are barricaded at home. People are unpredictable when they are hungry and thirsty.

A strategy of deprivation?

With the migrant centre overwhelmed, local activist Ramsés Mohamed Azumik accused authorities of using deprivation as a tool. "The strategy is that hunger, thirst and exhaustion will eventually force these people to choose a voluntary return to Morocco," he said. Spain deployed the military to Ceuta for the first time since 2021, and the crisis has reignited debate in Europe over border control and migration policy. The EU has long relied on Morocco as a partner in managing migration flows, but the events have strained that relationship and raised questions about the sustainability of Europe's external borders.