According to El Pais police sources, the death toll for irregular migrants attempting to swim to Sebte has risen to 27.
Border Closures and Rising Casualties in Ceuta and Melilla
Spanish interior authorities report that over 49,000 people crossed into Sebte via swimming or walking within a 24-hour period. More than 800 irregular migrants initially departed from the shores of Castillejos in Morocco, swimming toward the Spanish territory, as detailed by international media reports. In response to these mass entry attempts, the Spanish government closed the Beni Ensar border crossing with Morocco in Melilla, according to the Spanish broadcaster RTVE. A police source cited by RTVE confirmed that the death toll among irregular migrants in Melilla has risen to 19.
Melilla Autonomous Region President Juan Jose Imbroda stated on the Cadena COPE radio channel that roughly 300 to 400 people entered the autonomous city unlawfully via land and sea routes. Imbroda noted that local authorities successfully brought the situation under control alongside the cooperation of the Moroccan gendarmerie. A Melilla government spokesperson confirmed the border closure, stating it will remain active while security forces continue their operations.
French President Macron Orders Border Control Reinforcements
French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the strengthening of border controls with Spain, according to local media reports citing Elysee sources. Macron emphasized readiness to provide all necessary support to Spain, including assistance through the European Union border and coast guard agency, Frontex. This intervention follows Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s decision to mobilize all available government resources and deploy armed forces to secure the Ceuta region.
European Union Commission Deploys Emergency Support
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on the social media platform X that the images coming from Sebte are unacceptable. Von der Leyen announced that the EU has assigned two commissioners to help bring the situation under control. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is working in close cooperation with Spain and stands ready to travel to critical locations, focusing on delivering additional operational support via Frontex.
Did you know? Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s two autonomous cities located on the North African coast, sharing land borders with Morocco. They represent the only EU land borders on the African continent, making them primary focal points for migration pressures.
EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica has engaged directly with her Moroccan counterpart, reflecting the belief that the EU’s close partnership with Morocco will yield concrete results. Von der Leyen stated that nobody can be permitted to enter the Union without following established rules, emphasizing that dangerous crossings must stop immediately, smuggling networks must be dismantled, and fast returns must be executed where rules allow.
An EU Commission spokesperson told Anadolu Agency in a written statement that the bloc is closely monitoring developments in Sebte. The spokesperson noted that Commissioner Magnus Brunner maintains active contact with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The EU welcomed close cooperation between Morocco and Spain to curb migration flows and facilitate prompt repatriation in line with existing regulations, designating Morocco as an important and reliable partner.
Moroccan Security Measures and Local Interventions
Moroccan security forces established road blocks in the city of Fenidek to prevent irregular migrants from reaching Sebte. Large crowds gathered near the border zone, with individuals attempting to scale security fences along the coastline to cross into Spanish territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many migrants crossed into Ceuta?
According to Spanish Interior Ministry reports cited by international media, more than 49,000 people crossed into Sebte via swimming or walking over a 24-hour period.
What is the current death toll from the crossings?
According to El Pais police sources, 27 migrants have died trying to swim to Sebte. Additionally, a police source cited by RTVE reported that 19 migrants have died in connection with incidents in Melilla.
How is the European Union responding to the crisis?
The European Union Commission has deployed two commissioners—Magnus Brunner and Dubravka Suica—to assist Spain, and offered operational, technical, and financial support through Frontex.
Which border crossings have been closed?
The Spanish government closed the Beni Ensar border crossing between Melilla and Morocco following mass crossing attempts.
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