Spain declares Ceuta migration crisis over as nearly all migrants return to Morocco, but EU tensions flare
After 50,000-60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Madrid says most have returned; 67 are dead and a Saturday EU crisis meeting looms as Italy suspends Schengen.
A massive surge and a rapid return
An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta within a short period, mostly by swimming and climbing. By Saturday morning, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares declared that almost all had returned to Morocco. The returnees, he said, left voluntarily after realising there was no prospect of onward travel to mainland Spain and no accommodation or supplies.
Nearly all who arrived in Ceuta have now returned to Morocco.
He also dismissed critics, calling them purveyors of “interest-driven confusion.” No person had crossed from Ceuta to the EU mainland, Albares insisted, and the integrity of the Schengen area remained intact.
Death toll climbs as search continues
At least 67 people died while trying to reach Ceuta across the sea, according to the latest reports on Saturday afternoon. The number rose from 57 earlier in the day as rescue teams continued scanning coastal waters. Many of the dead were among those who attempted to swim around breakwaters or scramble along rocky shorelines. Spanish soldiers prevented further arrivals from the sea on Saturday.
EU allies blame Spanish policy
The crisis triggered a sharp reaction in Brussels. A letter signed by 22 of the 27 EU heads of state or government, initiated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, expressed grave concern and indirectly blamed Madrid. The letter cited a Spanish programme to regularise around 500,000 undocumented migrants (applicants who filed before the end of 2025) and a recent Supreme Court ruling as creating incentives for migration. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also signed the letter, which did not mention the dead.
We must confront political measures that can create incentives for migration.
Sánchez pushes back, Schengen suspended
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded on X, calling for a strong and united Europe and warning against division. “Solidarity and compassion are voluntary,” he wrote, “but respect for the European treaties is not.” Italy then temporarily suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, announcing border checks for air and sea travel. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed after a call with Albares that “not a single person crossed the border to the EU mainland.”
- 50,000-60,000 migrants cross from Morocco into Ceuta within 24 hours
- At least 57 dead reported; around 500 try to breach Melilla border, clash with police
- Spanish FM says nearly all migrants have returned; death toll revised to 67
- EU crisis meeting; Italy suspends Schengen; 22 EU leaders blame Spanish policy
Melilla clashes and EU crisis meeting
On Friday evening, about 500 people in at least two groups tried to storm the border into Spain’s other enclave, Melilla. Security forces used tear gas after migrants threw stones, state broadcaster RTVE reported; it was unclear whether anyone entered the city. Police vehicles with flashing lights patrolled the perimeter overnight, and the Beni Enzar crossing remained closed since Thursday evening. An EU crisis meeting of member-state experts is scheduled for Saturday, according to the Irish presidency.
