On August 4, 2026, Spanish authorities stated that they have sent back to Morocco the majority of the migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta during a recent mass crossing. The announcement was made by the Spanish government, which did not provide exact figures but confirmed that the returns were carried out in coordination with Moroccan authorities.
The incident occurred earlier this week when hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the border fence or swim around the breakwater into Ceuta. Spanish police and Civil Guard units were deployed to manage the situation, and many migrants were intercepted and returned under bilateral agreements.
According to reports, the Spanish delegation in Morocco and the Moroccan government facilitated the swift return of the migrants, most of whom were Moroccan nationals. The Spanish Interior Ministry emphasized that all returns were conducted in accordance with legal procedures and respect for human rights.
This event highlights the ongoing migratory pressure on Spain's North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, which have seen periodic surges in attempts to enter European territory. Both Spain and Morocco have pledged to strengthen cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.
