At least 19 migrants have died trying to enter the Spanish territory of Ceuta after breaching the border from Morocco, authorities reported on Friday, July 31st, 2026. Tens of thousands of people are said to have crossed into the North African Spanish enclave within the past 24 hours.

Thousands rushed by sea and land from Morocco into Ceuta starting Thursday and continuing overnight into Friday. Reports citing unnamed police sources and officials suggest that more than 40,000 people may have entered the territory.

Among the 19 fatalities, many drowned, while others were killed in a stampede attempting to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach, an urban beach near a border checkpoint with Morocco, according to Sbihi.

In response to the situation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his government is mobilising all available resources. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated on social media that he had instructed an immediate increase in controls at the Spanish border starting Thursday night.

Meanwhile, France has indicated it will tighten its borders with Spain amid the migrant influx.

Sources