Ceuta’s mayor, Juan Jesus Vivas, claimed that approximately 100 migrants died during a chaotic border crossing between Morocco and Spain’s northern African enclave of Ceuta last week. Speaking at the European Parliament on Thursday, Vivas described the incident as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by Ceuta in managing the aftermath. According to Vivas, the city is still grappling with the consequences of the mass influx, particularly the presence of hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children who remain stranded in Ceuta. The crisis began on July 30, when an estimated 72,000 migrants attempted to cross the border from Morocco into Ceuta in a single day. This unprecedented movement triggered tensions among several EU member states, notably Italy, which responded by suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain. Under the Schengen system, passport-free travel is permitted among participating nations, but Italy invoked an exception clause to reintroduce border checks for travelers coming from Spain. This move sparked a diplomatic rift between the two countries, with Spain retaliating by implementing similar restrictions on Italian travelers entering Spain via air or sea. According to reports from the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras, 141 individuals lost their lives during the border crossing, with 63 bodies recovered in Morocco and 78 in Ceuta. However, Vivas expressed concerns about the lack of adequate security resources in Ceuta to handle such a massive influx of migrants. He criticized both the local police force and immigration authorities for failing to provide sufficient support, stating that the current level of deployment does not match the scale of the crisis. Vivas emphasized that the situation is unsustainable for Ceuta alone, especially considering the overwhelming number of unaccompanied minors still present in the city. The plight of these children has become a focal point of the crisis. Reports indicate that hundreds of unaccompanied minors are currently residing in Ceuta under difficult conditions, lacking basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, and proper sanitation. The Spanish government introduced a revised immigration law in 2025 aimed at redistributing unaccompanied minors across the country within 15 days of completing their case files. However, this initiative faces potential resistance from regions governed by the center-right Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party, which oppose increased immigration. Despite this, Spain’s socialist government has insisted that all regions must adhere to the law, warning that compliance is mandatory. The conflict between Spain and Italy has escalated further following the implementation of mutual border controls. Starting Saturday, Spain began checking passports, nationality, and visa information for Italian travelers arriving by air or sea. These checks are scheduled to continue until September 7. Spain’s government stated that the measures are a direct response to Italy’s decision to suspend Schengen rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain. The Spanish government argued that the actions taken by Italy were unjustified, discriminatory, and contrary to the interests of the European Union. They also stressed that the majority of the 72,000 migrants who entered Ceuta had already returned to Morocco within days, with none having reached the European mainland. Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, defended its decision, claiming it was necessary due to the perceived threat posed by the Ceuta crisis. Meloni’s administration has positioned itself as a firm opponent of unauthorized migration, using the situation to bolster its image as a hardline stance on immigration issues. The Italian government clarified that the border checks primarily affect non-EU nationals and not EU citizens, although the impact on tourism and travel has raised concerns among industry representatives. Meanwhile, the European Commission and other EU members have acknowledged the need for enhanced border security while urging cooperation among member states to address the underlying causes of migration. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis, particularly the welfare of the unaccompanied children in Ceuta. The Spanish government has reiterated its commitment to finding solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals, while also addressing the broader implications of the border control measures imposed by both Spain and Italy. The outcome of this diplomatic standoff and the subsequent steps taken by both governments will likely shape future policies on migration and border management within the EU.
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