An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar, in an unprecedented mass movement last week. At least 72 people died during the attempt. The sudden influx of migrants overwhelmed the city’s residents, leading to a humanitarian crisis while border police deployed water cannons, tear gas and warning shots to deter people from crossing. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, nearly all of the migrants returned to Morocco just a day later.

In mid-2026, Ceuta faced a massive migrant influx after over 80,000 people crossed from Morocco in a single week (The Corner). This led to:

• Overcrowding at reception centers, with some women camping outside facilities, reporting sexual harassment and assault (Reuters).

9/2/2026 – Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Spain to protest the government’s handling of a mass crossing of migrants into Spain in July.

Authorities say 50,000 protesters were on the streets in Madrid alone, furious at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as the migrant crisis in Spain’s North African city of Ceuta continues.

The protesters bore signs reading, “A united Ceuta will never be defeated,” “Sánchez to prison,” and “Invaders — go home!”

Spain is still dealing with the fallout after over 70,000 foreign migrants surged across its border from neighboring Morocco in late July.