Spain Reports 50000 Ceuta Crossings in 24 Hours With 57 Deaths and 48300 Returns
On July 30-31, 2026, approximately 49,000 to 50,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain's enclave of Ceuta, with at least 57 deaths attributed primarily to drowning and a breakwater stampede. Spain's Interior Ministry reported more than 48,300 people had been returned to Morocco by Friday evening, while roughly 7,000 minors were among those who arrived. The crisis triggered a Schengen suspension by Italy for air and maritime connections with Spain, reinforced border checks by France, and an EU Commission offer of Frontex support, alongside Spain's admission that it had not anticipated the scale of the influx.