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Ceuta migrant crisis: Around 100 feared dead as the city struggles to return to normal
The authorities have stepped up security as hundreds of migrants continue sleeping rough across the Spanish enclave
Basta con pisar la calle para comprobar que la normalidad de la que habla el Gobierno en Ceuta no existe.
— Alberto Núñez Feijóo (@NunezFeijoo) August 2, 2026
Por humanidad, por convivencia y por seguridad, debemos seguir trabajando, para finalizar esta crisis y asegurar que nunca se repita. pic.twitter.com/1Q4h0coTpe
Although shops have reopened and daily life is slowly returning to the streets of Ceuta, the Spanish enclave is still dealing with the aftermath of last week's unprecedented migrant crossing, which has left around 100 people feared dead and thousands more waiting for their next move.
Spanish authorities said on Sunday that more than 73,500 migrants have now been returned to Morocco, a figure that exceeds the initial estimates of how many people crossed into Ceuta during Thursday's mass influx.
The human cost of the crisis is still becoming clear. Government Delegate Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano confirmed that 72 people are believed to have died trying to reach Spanish territory by sea. However, Ceuta's regional president, Juan José Vivas, said the true figure could be 88, while Moroccan authorities have separately reported 11 deaths, taking the overall toll to around 100 fatalities.
Speaking to reporters, Pérez Triano described those who died as "innocent people" and said efforts remain focused on restoring order and processing those still in the city. Around 3,000 police officers, Guardia Civil officers and military personnel are now deployed across Ceuta and will remain there for as long as necessary.
Despite the large-scale returns, officials believe around 10,000 migrants are still in Ceuta. Many continue to sleep in parks, on beaches and in open spaces after the city's Temporary Immigrant Detention Centre (CETI) exceeded its capacity. Built to accommodate just over 500 people, the centre is currently housing more than 700.
Hundreds of others remain camped nearby, hoping places will become available as migrants are transferred to mainland Spain. Police have established security cordons around the facility, while soldiers have been providing drinking water to those waiting outside. Aid organisations say many people urgently need food, water and basic supplies after spending days sleeping outdoors.
The crisis has also sparked political debate. People's Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who visited Ceuta over the weekend, rejected suggestions that life has returned to normal, saying the situation on the ground tells a very different story. Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso echoed those concerns, arguing that thousands of migrants are still stranded across the city.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has completed the installation of a 500-metre floating maritime barrier along part of Ceuta's coastline. The new system will be permanently monitored by the Guardia Civil as part of efforts to strengthen border security and prevent further mass crossings.
Image: Alberto Núñez Feijóo
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