On July 31, 2026, a large group of migrants attempted to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to reports from Spanish authorities. The Spanish government's delegation in Ceuta confirmed that hundreds of people, including many from sub-Saharan Africa, tried to enter the territory, with some succeeding in reaching Spanish soil.
Spanish police and Civil Guard units were deployed to the border area, using riot gear and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The Moroccan authorities also intervened on their side, preventing many from reaching the fence. Local media reported that at least 200 migrants made it into Ceuta, where they were taken to a temporary reception center.
The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic friction between Spain and Morocco over migration policy and the status of Western Sahara. In recent years, Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's two North African enclaves, have seen periodic mass crossing attempts, often used by Morocco as a pressure tactic in bilateral disputes.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SΓ‘nchez called for calm and emphasized the need for cooperation with Morocco to manage migration flows. The European Union expressed solidarity with Spain, urging a coordinated response to prevent further incidents. No serious injuries were reported, but the situation remains tense as authorities work to process the arrivals.
