More than 40,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta over past 24 hours, Spain says
Spain's Interior Ministry said on Friday that according to its estimates more than 40,000 migrants had crossed into the enclave of Ceuta in North Africa over the past 24 hours, as they rushed by sea and land from Morocco.
Published on 31/07/2026 - 10:48 GMT+2
Around 40,000 migrants have crossed in recent days from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta enclave, a police source said on Friday, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was due to arrive there.
The influx marks the largest arrival of migrants in Ceuta since 2021 — predominantly young men and adolescents — with 18 deaths reported during the crossing, according to figures released on Friday morning by the same source.
The number of entries means the population of the enclave increased by around 50%, as around 83,000 people are living in Ceuta.
France reinforces border controls with Spain
The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, stated this Friday that controls on the border with Spain will be reinforced.
"In light of the situation in the enclave of Ceuta, I gave instructions yesterday evening to immediately step up controls at the Spanish border. Furthermore, I am mobilising the Rapid Border Intervention Force to carry out thorough checks," says the French Interior Minister.
