A sudden surge of 50,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, prompting Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, to blame trafficking gangs after at least 57 deaths. The Supreme Court ruling that prevents summary returns to Morocco was allegedly twisted by criminals, fueling the mass movement. Many of the arrivals have already voluntarily returned to Morocco, but the influx continues to strain local resources.

Ceuta, an enclave on the North African coast, became a chaotic hub. Residents like Carmen Gonzalez Bermudez described the streets as “overwhelming,” while Victor Ortiz Sotomayor noted the city was “packed with immigrants.” The city’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, said arrivals were roughly 70% of its 83,600‑person population, a figure that has overwhelmed shops and police.

Internationally, Italy suspended Schengen free movement with Spain, and leaders such as Donald Trump, Ursula von der Leyen, and Friedrich Merz condemned the situation. Spain defended its sovereignty and called for EU solidarity, while the Spanish foreign minister rebuked Italy’s remarks as partisan.