69,500 irregular migrants leave Ceuta for Morocco after border crackdown

Spanish authorities say at least 69,500 irregular migrants have left the Spanish enclave of Ceuta for Morocco over the past 30 hours following the recent wave of mass irregular crossings that placed unprecedented pressure on the border.

According to Spanish news agency EFE, citing security sources, the total may also include people who had entered the enclave before Thursday’s large-scale crossings. The movement comes after one of the most significant migration surges recorded in Ceuta in recent years.

Spanish authorities have also reinforced border security at the Tarajal crossing. The Ministry of the Interior installed additional barriers along the breakwater, including a 500-meter pneumatic barrier rising between 30 and 70 centimeters above the water, with a submerged section extending up to one meter deep.

On July 30, Spain’s Interior Ministry said at least 50,000 people entered the enclave during the migration surge, while Ceuta officials estimated the figure exceeded 60,000. Authorities reported that the border remained calm overnight and into the following morning, with no new irregular entries recorded.

Although crossings have stopped, departures from Ceuta toward Morocco continue as both countries intensify cooperation to restore order after the crisis. The recent events resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people, making the incident one of the deadliest migration episodes in the region.

Videos circulating in recent days showed thousands of migrants attempting to reach Ceuta, including families with babies and children. The footage highlighted the scale of the movement as large crowds gathered along the border and coastal areas.

Several migrants who returned to Morocco told local media they had experienced violence or mistreatment while in Ceuta. They also stated that they chose to return voluntarily.

Earlier on Friday, EFE reported that Moroccan authorities arrested 70 people suspected of involvement in violent clashes that erupted during security operations aimed at preventing further irregular crossings.

Videos from the incidents showed groups of young people and adults throwing stones at police vehicles and setting some of them on fire. Those arrested face allegations including arson, damage to public property, and attempted homicide.