Spain has deployed its military to the North African enclave of Ceuta following a massive influx of migrants overwhelming the border with Morocco. Officials confirmed that at least nine people died during the crossings on Thursday, July 31, 2026.

The Spanish government announced that the Armed Forces will support the Civil Guard in restoring order after local authorities warned that the city could no longer manage the influx. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit Ceuta as the government works to contain the crisis.

This recent surge is one of the largest migrant waves to hit Ceuta since 2021, when over 8,000 people entered the territory within two days, sparking diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco. According to Spain's Interior Ministry, nearly 3,000 migrants had entered Ceuta by land or sea through mid-July 2026, before this week's crossings dramatically increased those numbers.

Rachid Sbihi, who leads an association representing Spain's Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as "absolute disruption," telling The Associated Press that thousands of migrants are crossing, though precise numbers are unavailable.

Spain's Interior Ministry also stated that Moroccan police intercepted numerous migrants attempting to cross and that both governments are cooperating to return those who entered the territory illegally as quickly as possible.

Sources