News In Frames: The long swim to Ceuta

Ceuta, the Spanish exclave that shares borders with Morocco, witnessed its largest migrant surge in years last week. More than 50,000 migrants had rushed into the Spanish city since July 30, mostly by swimming or crossing on inner tubes and improvised flotation devices from Morocco.

Many arrived by inner tube with cell phones zipped in waterproof pouches, and upon reaching shore cheered for Spain and kissed the ground. For many others, the crossing turned deadly: at least 57 were reported dead, including people who drowned and others crushed while climbing the breakwater fence. The influx marked the largest arrival of migrants in Ceuta since 2021. Ceuta’s regional president declared an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency” and called on Madrid to send troops to reassert control. Spain’s left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rushed to the exclave on Friday and slammed the mass crossings as an attack on Spain’s sovereignty.

Ceuta and Melilla, both Spanish exclaves in Africa, are part of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. By Friday, Spain announced that more than48,300 of the arrivals had already been sent back to Morocco under existing bilateral arrangements. Troops were mobilised to Ceuta. But it remains unclear what suddenly triggered the surge. Spanish authorities say trafficking networks spread misinformation that asylum could easily be obtained in Spain. Some say Moroccan authorities allowed large-scale migrant movement. Both Spain’s critics abroad and Mr Sanchez’s political rivals at home seized on the crisis to attack Madrid. As of now, Spain claims that the situation is returning to normalcy. But Ceuta remains on the edge.

(Text by Stanly Johny)

Photo:
AP

Against waves: Migrants make their way from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 30, as the border witnessed its biggest migrant surge in years

Photo:
Reuters

Waiting game: Migrants gather around a burnt-out vehicle near Fnideq, Morocco, on July 31, waiting for an opportunity to cross into Ceuta

Photo:
AFP

Border tensions: Migrants gather on a hillside during clashes with Moroccan security forces near Fnideq, as thousands attempt to reach Ceuta.

Photo:
Reuters

First steps: A migrant gestures after reaching the Spanish side of the border in Ceuta, following the hazardous journey by land and sea.

Photo:
JORGE GUERRERO

TOPSHOT – Migrants swim around a border barrier with Morocco to enter Spain’s north Africa’s Ceuta enclave on July 31, 2026. Thousands of migrants crossed overnight from Morocco into Ceuta enclave, a police source said, as Spanish Prime Minister was set to arrive to manage the latest migrant crisis on the border. In recent days, a total of around 40,000 migrants have crossed into the territory, population 80,000, the source added. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)

Photo:
AFP

Divided voices: Far-right demonstrators protest the mass arrivals in Ceuta outside the Moroccan Embassy in Madrid on July 31.

Photo:
Reuters

Safe ground: Emotion washes over a migrant after he reached Ceuta on July 31, ending a perilous journey across the border.

Photo:
AFP

Quick reaction: A Spanish soldier escorts migrants back towards the Moroccan border on August 1, as Spain rapidly returned most of those who entered Ceuta.