60,000 Migrants Enter Ceuta, Most Return, Dozens Dead

Thousands of migrants who surged into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta last week have largely returned to Morocco, Spanish authorities said, following one of the largest mass crossings ever recorded at the European Union's land border with Africa. The crisis, which saw tens of thousands of people enter the tiny territory over a few days beginning July 30, left dozens dead, overwhelmed local services, and triggered a sharp political response across Europe.

According to Spanish officials, approximately 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, with the majority crossing on Thursday, July 30. By Saturday, August 1, Spanish authorities reported that about 48,000 people had already returned. Spanish soldiers and police were seen escorting groups back toward the frontier. The enclave, home to roughly 83,000 residents, struggled to cope as shops closed and basic supplies ran short.

The reasons behind the sudden influx remain disputed. Many migrants interviewed said they were encouraged by viral social media messages suggesting the heavily guarded border had opened. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed human smuggling networks for spreading misleading interpretations...