Story perspectives

Barrier erected, 60,000 migrants enter Ceuta, 67 dead

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain installed a floating barrier at the Tarajal breakwater and reinforced the Ceuta fence.
About 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, with roughly 48,300 voluntarily returning to Morocco by Saturday.
Spanish authorities confirmed at least 57 bodies recovered, raising the crossing-related death toll to 67.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Spain will be relentless against lawbreakers.
Leaders of 22 EU states urged the Irish presidency to convene a video conference on Ceuta.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ordered a new steel fence around Ceuta after waves of migrants forced the existing barriers, with about 700 breaching the fence and six dying. The fence’s height was doubled that year. In 2024, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska again pledged strict enforcement as migrant pressure resurges, echoing the 2005 crisis.

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Story summary

Spain installed a floating barrier at the Tarajal breakwater and reinforced the Ceuta fence.
About 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, with roughly 48,300 voluntarily returning to Morocco by Saturday.
Spanish authorities confirmed at least 57 bodies recovered, raising the crossing-related death toll to 67.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Spain will be relentless against lawbreakers.
Leaders of 22 EU states urged the Irish presidency to convene a video conference on Ceuta.

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