Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Ceuta Sees Surge of Migrants, Spain Deploys Troops
Ceuta is a small Spanish town on the coast of Africa that is part of the European Union.
On a recent Thursday, many people from Morocco tried to cross the border into Ceuta to get to Europe.
Some swam or climbed fences, and at least 15 people died in the water.
Spanish soldiers were sent to the border because the situation was described as chaotic and the frontier had collapsed.
Morocco does not consider Ceuta part of Spain, which makes the area a hot spot for migration.
Thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on Thursday.
At least 15 people died after drowning while attempting to reach the enclave.
Spanish troops were deployed after the frontier was described as "absolute chaos" and "totally collapsed."
Ceuta is a Spanish territory on Africa's northern coast and is part of the EU, making it a gateway into Europe.
Morocco does not recognize Ceuta as Spanish territory, viewing it as occupied land.
- Who
- Migrants, Spanish troops, Rachid Sbihi
- What
- Thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta and troops were deployed after the frontier collapsed
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Ceuta, Spain's enclave on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco
- Why
- Migrants seek better opportunities and to flee violence and poverty
- Location
- Ceuta, Spain
- Bordering Country
- Morocco
- Number of Migrants
- Thousands
- Deaths
- At least 15
- Date
- Thursday
- Status
- EU territory