The mass crossing into Spain's Ceuta and its deadly aftermath

The crossing began on Thursday, July 30, as social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok spread rumors that the border was open.^[9][10] Ceuta's officials asked the national government for help,^[1] and Spain deployed troops to the enclave.^[11] Ceuta's president said some 60,000 people had entered in 24 hours, while the interior ministry estimated 50,000 and said half had already returned.^[2] At least 18 people were reported dead the next day, some drowned and others crushed,^[12] and the toll later passed 90.^[4] One teenage girl reached the shore while her little brother drowned and their mother disappeared.^[13]

Spain installed a 500-meter barrier on the sea border,^[3] and Moroccan police arrested 111 people when new posts called for another crossing.^[14] Ceuta's president said the influx was "at least encouraged or permitted" by Rabat,^[8] France and Italy criticized Spain,^[12] and the European Commission president called for stronger migration controls.^[15] Spain's intelligence agency had issued warnings of a possible mass crossing, the AP reported, and Sánchez denied that his government ignored them.^[16][17] Residents protested,^[18] authorities moved thousands who remained from the beaches,^[19][20] and in October King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta for the first time in 14 years.^[21]