Ceuta: Most migrants have returned to Morocco, 57 died crossing the border

What the report says

Spanish officials said more than 48,000 migrants had gone back to Morocco after a sudden surge in crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to France24 Africa. The report said roughly 50,000 people had reached Ceuta by sea, placing intense pressure on the tiny territory and prompting a rapid response from authorities on both sides of the border.

France24 Africa reported that the return process was chaotic and that the exact number of people still in Ceuta was unclear. The outlet cited Judith Sunderland of Human Rights Watch, who said the border is heavily fortified and dangerous to cross. She also said 57 people were reported dead during the crisis. Those comments were used to underline the human cost of the episode rather than to establish a new independent count.

The article also noted wider European fallout. France and Italy were said to have strengthened border controls, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a suspension of Schengen free movement between Spain and Italy. Ceuta is Spanish territory and part of the Schengen area, but special rules apply to the enclave, which makes onward travel difficult for migrants. The report highlights how the crisis exposed tensions over migration control, border policy and movement within Europe.