Thousands flood Ceuta, 41 dead, humanitarian emergency

A massive surge of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco between Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31, 2026, resulting in dozens of deaths and prompting a declaration of a humanitarian emergency. Tens of thousands of people overwhelmed the territory's border defenses, with many attempting to swim around sea barriers or climb fences.

Local officials reported that between 40,000 and 60,000 people entered the six-mile-long territory within approximately 24 hours, a number that overwhelmed the city of about 83,000 residents. Spain's Interior Ministry provided a lower crossing estimate but confirmed that tens of thousands had entered and that more than 25,000 later voluntarily returned to Morocco through a border gate.

The human cost was severe, with at least 41 people confirmed dead. Officials and aid workers reported that many migrants drowned in strong currents, while others died in stampedes as crowds rushed a breakwater fence at Tarajal beach near a border checkpoint. Many victims remain unidentified.

In response, Spain deployed military personnel to Ceuta to support the Civil Guard and emergency services. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the enclave...