CEUTA, Spain, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - At least 72 people died during last 
week's mass influx of migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave, when tens of 
thousands of people mostly swam around the border post from Morocco, local 
officials said on Sunday.

Most of the estimated 60,000 people who rushed into Spain's north African 
territory have returned to Morocco since the territory's largest mass migrant 
crossing.

"The latest figure that we have is 72," the government's delegate to Ceuta, 
Miguel Angel Perez Triano, told reporters, when asked about the number of 
fatalities.

The previous toll was 67 deaths.

Spanish police and troops patrolled the streets of Ceuta on Sunday as the 
enclave returned to normal after the sudden mass influx of migrants from 
Morocco.

Only small groups of migrants were still walking around after most who 
crossed the small border barrier returned voluntarily to Morocco in 48 hours.

The largest migrant rush into the enclave has caused an international crisis 
for Spain with European partners criticising Madrid for its immigration 
policies.

Outside a housing project near Ceuta port, Spanish soldiers detained a group 
of nine tired-looking migrants who were sitting on the pavement, guarded by 
troops with an armoured car, an AFP reporter said.

Small inflatable boats from a rescue unit scoured the waters around the 
border barrier that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, where a new 500-metre 
(1,640-feet) floating boom reinforced security.

Civil Guard were also taking migrants off a bus to escort them back to the 
border post to return to Morocco.

The border crossing was calm, with groups of workers picking up trash, 
clothes and rubbish left behind during the mass crossing.

- Rumours -

Spain has blamed criminal gangs for spreading rumours that a recent Spanish 
Supreme Court ruling on immigration would allow migrants easier passage.

Some analysts suggested Morocco could allow migrants to cross the border to 
put diplomatic pressure on Spain, which has recently improved ties with 
Rabat's arch-enemy neighbouring Algeria.

In 2021, around 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, taking advantage of 
Morocco easing border controls as a way to pressure Spain.

Moroccan officials have so far not offered any statement on the crisis.

But some of those who crossed the border said they had heard the border was 
open -- a rumour quickly amplified on social media.

The EU said it would hold a video call on Tuesday after 22 bloc members 
issued a joint open letter calling for an urgent meeting to agree a speedy 
coordinated response, and to prevent further uncontrolled crossings.

Italy on Saturday implemented a one-month suspension of its Schengen 
agreement with Spain allowing for visa-free movement between borders.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a letter to EU leaders, blasted the 
"selfish" reaction by some EU countries.