MADRID, Spain has returned more than 48,300 migrants to Morocco after one of the largest mass border crossings in recent years, restoring relative calm to the North African enclave of Ceuta.
According to The Washington Post, Spanish authorities began repatriating migrants shortly after tens of thousands crossed illegally from Morocco into Ceuta. Officials said nearly 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory in a single day before large-scale return operations were launched.
Spanish authorities confirmed that 67 Moroccan migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach the Spanish border. Many reportedly died during the chaotic rush toward the frontier.
Meanwhile, citing security concerns arising from the crisis, Italy temporarily closed its borders with Spain, highlighting growing concerns across Europe over irregular migration.
Spanish officials said that around 50,000 migrants have now returned to Morocco, with many doing so voluntarily.
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Several migrants told international media they decided to return because of severe hunger, exhaustion, unsafe living conditions, and limited support after arriving in Ceuta.
To prevent further illegal crossings, Spain has installed a 500-meter-long floating sea barrier along the maritime border between Ceuta and Morocco.
The border crisis has also sparked renewed debate over European migration policy and the future of border management cooperation between Spain and Morocco.
