Story perspectives

Spain Deploys Troops to Ceuta After 49,000 Migrant Surge

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain sent 200 police and 60 troops to Ceuta on July 31 2026 after 49,000 migrants, 60 % of its 85,000 residents, entered.
The influx followed a July Supreme Court ruling that barred expelling migrants intercepted at sea bound for Ceuta or Melilla.
Merchants José Carlos Lara and Enrique Serrano closed shops while residents slept on streets, washed in fountains and stockpiled food, calling it an ‘apocalypse’.
Giorgia Meloni said Italy could suspend Schengen with Spain.

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Story summary

Spain sent 200 police and 60 troops to Ceuta on July 31 2026 after 49,000 migrants, 60 % of its 85,000 residents, entered.
The influx followed a July Supreme Court ruling that barred expelling migrants intercepted at sea bound for Ceuta or Melilla.
Merchants José Carlos Lara and Enrique Serrano closed shops while residents slept on streets, washed in fountains and stockpiled food, calling it an ‘apocalypse’.
Giorgia Meloni said Italy could suspend Schengen with Spain.