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Violence and Chaos in Ceuta as Spain Says Over 47,000 Migrants Returned to Morocco
Ceuta experienced a massive wave of irregular crossings that began Thursday evening, producing scenes of violence and chaos, while Spanish authorities announced on Friday that more than 47,000 migrants had returned to Morocco. Official estimates say between 50,000 and 60,000 people crossed into the Spanish enclave over the past two days — an unprecedented figure that has raised security, humanitarian and political concerns within Spain and across the European Union.
The Spanish Interior Ministry said thousands of migrants returned voluntarily to Morocco by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, at a departure rate of roughly 150 people per minute, and reported that the total number of returnees exceeded 48,000 by Friday evening. The governor of Ceuta said about 60,000 people entered the enclave, representing roughly 70% of Ceuta’s population, warning that such a sudden influx is impossible to absorb.
In response, Madrid deployed security and military reinforcements to the city — including police, army personnel and specialized units — to restore order and secure the border, while continuing to register arrivals and manage their return to Morocco.
