Thousands of migrants cross Ceuta border in single night, at least 18 dead

Herz — World Desk · 31 July 2026 at 08:18 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

In the night of July 30–31, 2026, thousands of migrants crossed the border between Morocco and Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city on the northern coast of Africa. According to a police source cited by the AFP, the flow of people was impossible to count.

At least 18 people died during this influx, according to the same police source.

Arrivals continued into Friday morning, July 31, following an uninterrupted flow of migrants throughout the night.

Context

In the days leading up to this nocturnal influx, arrivals of migrants at Ceuta were already described as massive. Local authorities had requested reinforcements from the Spanish military to handle the mounting pressure.

This influx represents the largest on record at the enclave since May 2021, when over 10,000 migrants crossed the border in two days.

Timeline

1. May 2021
   Over 10,000 migrants cross the Morocco–Ceuta border in two days — the historical reference point for comparison.
2. Days before July 31, 2026
   Migrant arrivals at Ceuta already described as massive. Local authorities request Spanish military reinforcements.
3. Night of July 30–31, 2026
   Thousands of migrants cross the Morocco–Ceuta border in a flow described by police as impossible to count. At least 18 people die during the crossing.
4. Morning of July 31, 2026
   Arrivals continue. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain's Interior Minister, announces he will visit Ceuta to assess the situation and meet with local authorities.

By the numbers