More than 25,000 migrants have voluntarily returned to Morocco after around 60,000 people crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta within just 24 hours, Spanish authorities announced.
According to Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, at least 43 people died during attempts to cross the border.
The massive influx occurred after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the other Spanish enclave of Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as an “attack” on the country’s borders and stated that all migrants who entered illegally would be returned to Morocco “as quickly as possible.”
The crisis has triggered reactions across Europe, with several leaders expressing concern and pledging measures to strengthen border controls.
The British prime minister and the French president have also offered support to Spain in managing the situation.
Located on Morocco’s northern coast and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta has for years been one of the main entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Ceuta’s president described the situation as “unsustainable,” noting that the number of new arrivals represents around 70% of the city’s population, which stands at approximately 83,600 residents.
