Spanish authorities reported that migrant crossings into Ceuta, a North African Spanish enclave, ceased overnight as police started installing a 500-metre (1,640-foot) floating barrier on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, off the border with Morocco. This follows an unprecedented surge of about 60,000 migrants entering Ceuta by land and sea since Thursday, July 30th, 2026, at one of the European Union's only land borders with Africa.

More than 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco within 48 hours, according to Spain. Tragically, at least 67 bodies have been recovered on the Spanish side of the border after some migrants drowned and others were crushed while attempting to climb the breakwater and border fence.

The Civil Guard police began laying the new pneumatic barrier at 7:50 am (0550 GMT) on the Tarajal breakwater, a key entry point into Ceuta. The barrier, combined with anchored naval buoys, is designed to rise 30 to 70 centimetres above water and extend up to one metre below the surface. A channel between the barriers will allow Civil Guard vessels to patrol the area.

The mass crossing alarmed the European Union, prompting 22 member states to write a letter requesting coordinated action to protect external borders. The AUGC union for Spain's Civil Guard has called for reinforcement of at least 200 officers and cautioned that additional measures are necessary to prevent migrants from swimming around the inflatable barrier.

Spanish authorities rejected claims that a regularisation scheme encouraged the rush, clarifying that applicants must prove residence in Spain before January 1, 2026, and have maintained five continuous months of residence when applying.

Officials emphasized that Morocco remains a fully reliable partner and is not a threat to Ceuta or the rest of Spain. One statement noted, "In the current international context, the EU cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction."

Sources