CEUTA, Spain, Spain has installed a 500-meter-long sea barrier along the maritime border of its North African enclave of Ceuta following one of the largest migration surges in recent years, during which at least 67 migrants lost their lives.
The barrier was erected after an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco between Thursday and Friday, overwhelming border security.
67 Killed During Mass Border Crossing
According to the Spanish government, at least 67 people died during the incident.
Authorities said some victims drowned while attempting to swim across the border, while others were killed in a stampede near the breakwater separating Morocco and Ceuta.
Spanish security forces continued monitoring the coastline on Saturday as small groups of migrants attempted to reach Ceuta by sea.
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Spain Defends Morocco Cooperation
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Spain and Morocco would jointly assess how such a large-scale border breach occurred despite extensive security arrangements.
He stressed that Morocco remains a reliable partner.
“Morocco is not a threat to Ceuta or to Spain. It is a trusted partner,” the minister said.
He added that close cooperation between the two countries helped restore control of the situation within 24 hours.
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Sánchez Rejects Criticism from EU Leaders
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized calls from some European politicians to suspend Spain from the Schengen Area, describing such proposals as driven by prejudice, misinformation, or political interests.
He urged European Union member states to adopt a coordinated response, emphasizing that protecting the bloc’s external borders is a shared responsibility.
Spain has requested an emergency video conference of EU interior ministers to discuss the migration crisis.
EU Calls for Coordinated Action
Leaders from 22 European Union countries signed a joint letter urging a common European response to the situation.
The letter warned against allowing uncontrolled mass migration or creating the perception that illegal entry into the European Union could eventually lead to legal residence.
The signatories called for urgent discussions among EU interior ministers to strengthen border management and migration policies.
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Migrants Return to Morocco
Hundreds of migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco on Saturday after describing difficult conditions inside Ceuta.
Several migrants told reporters they had faced shortages of food and shelter, while others alleged mistreatment after entering the Spanish territory.
Many spent nights sleeping outdoors before deciding to cross back into Morocco through unofficial openings along the border.
Despite the heightened security, authorities continued monitoring the coastline as isolated attempts to enter Ceuta persisted.
