Spain to Return 10,000 Migrants from Ceuta to Morocco

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced that all undocumented migrants who entered the North African enclave of Ceuta in late July will be returned to Morocco. Spanish government estimates indicate that more than 70,000 people illegally crossed the border during the influx, resulting in approximately 100 deaths.

While the majority of migrants returned voluntarily, around 10,000 remain in the enclave. Albares attributed the surge to online disinformation suggesting that entry into Ceuta granted rights to travel to mainland Spain or other parts of Europe. He confirmed that no one has left the city for the mainland.

Spanish authorities have canceled all leave for Civil Guards and military personnel stationed in Ceuta following reports of another potential mass border crossing planned for August 15. The government is currently coordinating diplomatic efforts with Morocco to facilitate the return of the remaining irregular migrants.