Spain erects sea barrier after migrant surge in Ceuta

Spain has installed a 500-metre sea barrier near its North African enclave of Ceuta following a large influx of migrants that triggered a humanitarian crisis and renewed political debate over migration.

Spanish authorities said at least 67 migrants died during the crossings, with fatalities linked to drowning and crowd crushes as thousands attempted to enter the territory.

The sudden arrival of tens of thousands of migrants prompted Spanish security forces to tighten border controls and return many people to Morocco. The incident has drawn criticism from opposition parties over the government’s migration policy.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected calls from some European leaders to suspend Spain from the Schengen area, describing such proposals as politically motivated. He also argued that Spain has experienced lower levels of irregular migration in recent years than Italy and Greece.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Spain regained control of the situation within 24 hours through close cooperation with Morocco, stressing that Rabat remains a trusted partner in border management.