Calm is slowly returning to Ceuta after a recent influx of around 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco in just a few days. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, that about 70,000 of these migrants have since returned to Morocco. However, Spain's government estimates that approximately 2,000 undocumented migrants remain in Ceuta, while local authorities suggest the number could be between 3,000 and 5,000.

In response to the crisis, Spain has installed a 500-meter-long pneumatic barrier in the waters between Ceuta and Morocco. This barrier rises 30 to 70 centimeters above the water and extends about a meter below the surface, creating a physical boundary at sea to aid law enforcement in managing the border.

According to Spain's Guardia Civil officers at a main border gate, many migrants who entered Ceuta illegally have returned to Morocco through this point, and the area has now returned to relative calm.

Among those who crossed is 23-year-old Abdul Karim, who swam for over three hours from Morocco last weekend before reaching Ceuta. He is currently sheltered in a temporary city center facility, awaiting further developments. Abdul Karim shared, "We want to go to mainland Spain to work. It's hard to find jobs in Morocco, so we hope to find work in Spain. Swimming here was very difficult. At one point, I thought I was going to drown. Some people just disappeared while trying to swim across," he said.

Despite the easing situation, many local residents remain anxious about the ongoing fears related to illegal migration.

Sources