Government Delegation in Ceuta raises death toll in migration crisis to 72 and says "no one had information"

The Spanish government delegation in Ceuta has raised the death toll in the ongoing migrant crisis to 72, according to official figures released by the regional authority. The statement emphasized that “nobody had information” regarding the exact number of fatalities, highlighting the lack of coordination and transparency during the crisis. This update comes amid heightened tensions along the border with Morocco, where migrants continue to attempt dangerous crossings by sea. The situation escalated overnight, with reports indicating another night of intense migration pressure. According to the Guardia Civil, dozens of migrants, primarily young men from Morocco and Algeria, attempted to cross the sea to reach Ceuta. At least one person was found dead in the water near the coast, recovered by the maritime rescue service Salvamento Marítimo. The body was identified as that of a young male migrant, though further details remain unclear. Authorities confirmed that hundreds of individuals attempted the perilous journey, with estimates exceeding 200 people attempting to swim across the waters from Moroccan shores, particularly near Castillejos. These migrants used neoprene suits and flotation devices to aid their crossing. Upon reaching the shore, they were taken to police stations and subsequently transported to the Center for Temporary Stay of Immigrants (CETI). However, the facility has been overwhelmed, with many migrants remaining outside its walls due to overcrowding. President of the Autonomous City of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called for a national emergency response, urging the central government to take immediate action. He described the current situation as an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency,” emphasizing the need for a unified command structure to manage the crisis effectively. Over the past ten days, between 1,500 and 2,000 people have entered Ceuta illegally, which he compared to the entry of one million people into Spain through irregular means in the same period. Vivas highlighted the severe strain on infrastructure, noting that the overpopulation of minors in the area has reached 2,400% capacity. Additionally, more than 4,000 migrants have encountered obstacles in accessing public healthcare services despite recent legislative changes aimed at facilitating access. The president stressed the urgent need for financial support from the state, increased collaboration with Morocco, and additional resources for security forces. Local authorities have also expressed concerns over the growing number of casualties. It has been reported that approximately 60 bodies have washed ashore in the last month, underscoring the deadly nature of these crossings. The influx of migrants has also led to a sense of vulnerability among the local population, who feel increasingly exposed to the risks associated with the ongoing crisis. In response to the escalating situation, police unions have claimed that over 20,000 immigrants entered Ceuta in a single day, according to their records. This figure suggests a dramatic increase in the scale of illegal entries, placing immense pressure on local authorities to manage both the humanitarian and security aspects of the crisis. The continued flow of migrants highlights the complex challenges facing the region, including the need for improved border control, better resource allocation, and stronger international cooperation.