Spain returns over 48,300 migrants to Morocco after mass arrival in Ceuta

MADRID, Spain (MNTV) — Spanish authorities have returned more than 48,300 migrants to Morocco after tens of thousands entered the North African enclave of Ceuta within two days.

According to Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency, citing Spain’s EFE news agency, the figures were released by Spain’s Interior Ministry on Friday afternoon.

The ministry said approximately 50,000 migrants had entered Ceuta since early Thursday, making it one of the enclave’s largest migration surges.

Spanish officials said returns to Morocco were taking place at a rate of nearly 150 people every minute during peak operations.

Despite the large-scale repatriations, thousands of migrants remained scattered across several neighborhoods in Ceuta without clear accommodation or destinations.

EFE reported that hundreds of migrants voluntarily headed toward the border after facing shortages of food and essential services.

The report said many shops, supermarkets and restaurants remained closed because of security concerns following the mass arrivals.

Spanish authorities carried out the returns under an existing repatriation agreement between Spain and Morocco, facilitating the rapid border transfers.

Security forces, including the Civil Guard and the Army’s Regulares Group No. 54, reinforced patrols along Tarajal beach to prevent further crossings.

Authorities said officers intercepted about 40 migrants who reached the shoreline by swimming and directed them back toward Morocco.

Spanish officials also confirmed that at least 57 people have died during the migration crisis, underscoring its growing humanitarian toll.

Ceuta, one of Spain’s two North African enclaves bordering Morocco, has long served as a major gateway for migrants seeking entry into Europe.