At least 67 dead as 50,000 migrants return from Ceuta to Morocco after mass crossing
Between 50,000 and 60,000 people crossed into the Spanish enclave on Thursday, but most have now gone back, citing hunger, closed shops and threats. At least 67 died trying to reach Ceuta, many drowning and others killed in the crush at the Tarajal breakwater, according to Spain's interior minister.
The crossing
On Thursday 30 July, an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants, mostly young Moroccans, crossed the border from Castillejos into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave of 84,000 residents on the North African coast. The local government president, Juan Jesús Vivas, put the figure at around 60,000, while Spain's Interior Ministry counted 50,000. The sudden influx overwhelmed the city, with migrants sleeping in parks and streets, and the temporary immigrant centre (CETI) quickly reaching capacity.
- An estimated 50,000–60,000 migrants cross from Morocco into Ceuta.
- Shops close; migrants report no food for two days. First groups begin returning to Morocco.
- Spanish government says 'practically all' migrants have returned. Death toll rises to at least 67.
- Some migrants still attempt to reach Ceuta by swimming; a few are rescued.
The return
By Saturday 1 August, the Spanish government said "practically all" of the migrants had returned to Morocco. Many walked back across the border in small groups, escorted by Spanish soldiers and Guardia Civil officers. Abdel Latif, 23, said he was leaving because there was no food.
I thought I would find a good welcome, but no.
Others reported that shops had closed and they had gone without food for two or three days. Some migrants said they were threatened with weapons and treated harshly by police and civilians on the Spanish side.
Deaths at sea
At least 67 people died attempting to reach Ceuta, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Saturday, calling the events "dramatic." Many drowned swimming around the Tarajal and Benzú breakwaters, while others were killed in the crush to get across the breakwater barrier at Tarajal beach. An earlier count had put the toll at 57. Mohamed, who travelled from Fez, watched his friend Yasir die in the water.
He was drowning and I couldn't help him. I lost my phone, my money, my things trying. But I couldn't do anything. Many people have died.
Red Cross workers treated exhausted survivors on the beach, wrapping them in blankets despite the heat.
Why they came
Migrants described organising via WhatsApp and Instagram, where posts claimed the border was easy to cross. Youssef, 21, from Chauen, said he earns 3,000 dirhams (about €280) a month and that there is no work in Morocco.
We saw on Instagram that it was easy.
Mohamed, 15, from Fez, said he and his friends have "dreams to fulfil and a lot of talent" but that Morocco does not want them. Many had hoped to reach mainland Europe to find jobs and send money home.
Local impact and what's next
Residents of Ceuta noticed a marked improvement by Saturday, with fewer migrants on the streets, but feared economic fallout, including the possible cancellation of the annual fair that sustains local businesses. Some returnees said they planned to eat, rest, and try crossing again, believing the police presence was weak. Meanwhile, a few migrants continued to arrive by sea on Saturday, and the diplomatic row over migration policy within the EU simmered in the background.
