Most of the approximately 60,000 people who flooded into the Spanish enclave in North Africa voluntarily returned to Morocco within 48 hours. This was the largest mass influx of migrants into this territory.
“The latest number we have is 72,” government spokesperson in Ceuta Miguel Angel Perez Triana told reporters when asked about the number of deaths.
Previously, 67 deaths had been reported.
Spanish police and soldiers patrolled the streets of Ceuta on Sunday as the enclave returned to normal life after a sudden mass influx of migrants from Morocco. Only small groups of migrants were seen in the city.
The largest influx of migrants into the enclave caused an international crisis for Spain; European partners criticized Madrid for its immigration policy.
Near a residential project close to Ceuta port, Spanish soldiers detained a group of nine tired migrants. They were sitting on the sidewalk, guarded by soldiers with an armored vehicle, AFP news agency reporter said.
New barrier
Small inflatable boats from the rescue unit navigated the waters around the border barrier extending into the Mediterranean Sea, where a new 500-meter floating barrier has strengthened security.
The Civil Guard also disembarked migrants from a bus to escort them back to the border post to return to Morocco.
The border point was calm, groups of workers collected trash, clothes, and waste left during the mass border crossing.
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Why Morocco might have acted this way
Spain accused criminal groups of spreading rumors that a recently adopted Spanish Supreme Court decision on immigration would make it easier for migrants to enter the country.
Some analysts said Morocco might have allowed migrants to cross the border to exert diplomatic pressure on Spain, which recently improved relations with Rabat’s main enemy Algeria.
In 2021, about 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, taking advantage of Morocco easing border controls to pressure Spain.
Moroccan officials have not yet made any statement regarding the latest crisis.
However, some of those who crossed the border said they heard the border was open – this rumor quickly spread on social networks.
The European Union announced it will hold a video call on Tuesday, with the 22 bloc members issuing a joint open letter calling for an urgent meeting to agree on a rapid coordinated response and prevent further uncontrolled border crossings.
Italy suspended the Schengen Agreement with Spain for one month on Saturday. This agreement allows visa-free movement across borders.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the “selfish” reaction of some EU countries in a letter to EU leaders.
