Spanish police and military personnel are working to reinforce the border of Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, following a mass breach by thousands of people on Thursday, July 31st, 2026. Authorities estimate that around 60,000 individuals entered the city, which has a population of approximately 85,000, causing a crisis that local officials say is impossible to manage.

Juan Jesus Vivas, head of Ceuta's regional government, told reporters that the influx equates to well over half of the city's population. He emphasized, "This figure shows that it is impossible to absorb such pressure. It is absolutely impossible."

In response, Vivas called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to declare a national emergency and deploy military troops to assist the Guardia Civil border police. By Friday morning, July 31st, Sanchez was en route to Ceuta to assess the situation firsthand.

Prime Minister Sanchez attributed the surge to people smugglers exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling. Meanwhile, Spain's military has sent personnel to support border security efforts.

Neighboring countries France and Italy announced temporary tightening of border controls at their frontiers with Spain. Additionally, Germany's political figure Merz urged Morocco to immediately take back the irregular migrants.

The situation remains fluid as Spanish authorities continue efforts to manage the unprecedented border breach.

Sources