Ceuta migrant deaths hit 72 as Italy suspends Schengen with Spain
The death toll from a sudden mass migrant crossing into Spain's Ceuta enclave has reached 72, sparking a breakdown in European free-movement rules and a bitter diplomatic dispute within the bloc.
An estimated 60,000 people rushed into Ceuta from Morocco this week in the largest mass crossing in the territory's history. "The latest figure that we have is 72," said Miguel Angel Perez Triano, the government's delegate to Ceuta, updating a previous toll of 67 fatalities. While the enclave's streets have largely returned to normal, Spanish police and troops continue to patrol the area.
The sudden influx has created immediate friction for European travel and trade. Italy implemented a one-month suspension of its Schengen agreement with Spain, temporarily reinstating border controls that disrupt the visa-free movement fundamental to the single market. This unilateral move creates logistical hurdles for cross-border supply chains and business travel.
The crisis has also exposed deep divisions in Europe's approach to immigration management. European partners have openly criticised Madrid's immigration policies in the wake of the crossing. Twenty-two EU member states issued a joint open letter demanding an urgent meeting to prevent further uncontrolled arrivals, leading to a bloc-wide video call scheduled for Tuesday.
Spain's leadership has pushed back against the internal criticism. In a letter to EU leaders, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blasted the "selfish" reaction by some member states. He argued that Spain was bearing a disproportionate burden for a broader European border challenge that requires collective support rather than unilateral border closures.
The root causes of the sudden surge remain contested. Spanish authorities have blamed criminal networks for spreading false rumours on social media that a recent Supreme Court ruling would allow easier passage into the enclave. However, analysts point to a more geopolitical motivation, suggesting Morocco allowed the crossing to exert diplomatic pressure on Spain.
Rabat's suspected frustration stems from Spain's recent efforts to improve ties with neighbouring Algeria, Morocco's regional rival. This mirrors a similar tactic used in 2021, when roughly 10,000 people crossed into Ceuta after Morocco eased its border controls. Moroccan officials have so far declined to comment on the current situation.
Security measures in Ceuta have since been heightened. A new 500-metre floating boom now reinforces the border barrier extending into the Mediterranean Sea, while small inflatable rescue boats patrol the surrounding waters. Civil Guard units are actively escorting the remaining small groups of migrants back to border posts as workers clear discarded clothes and rubbish.
