Migrant activity at the Ceuta border: Spain sends troops to the region following swimming crossings

Hundreds of people attempting to swim from the Moroccan coast to Ceuta have been intercepted; Madrid has decided to deploy troops for security.

12punto 31 July 2026

Irregular migration activity has increased around the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta (Sebte) in North Africa following rumors that the border had been opened. More than 800 people attempting to swim from the coast of the Moroccan town of Castillejos to Ceuta were intercepted by Moroccan and Spanish patrol boats.

According to Spain's official news agency EFE, the crossing attempts began from the Moroccan coast near Ceuta. It was reported that some of the individuals, identified as Moroccan and Algerian, attempted to reach the city by sea, while others tried to cross by breaching security lines along the coastline.

It was reported that irregular migrants moving from the Castillejos coast attempted to cross into Ceuta.

While Spain's maritime safety and rescue service rescued more than 300 people from the sea, it was reported that the bodies of 2 people were recovered. It was also stated that 117 people were pulled from the water in cooperation with the Spanish Red Cross.

Moroccan and Spanish patrol boats intervened against those attempting to cross by swimming.

SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED

It was stated that Spanish security forces escorted approximately 200 people with patrol boats, and Moroccan authorities assigned naval units to assist those who could not reach the Spanish coast. Moroccan security forces have increased measures to prevent crossings from the city of Fnideq in the north of the country to Ceuta.

Congestion occurred along the coastline due to crossing attempts.

It was reported that some roads in Fnideq were blocked, crowds formed near Ceuta, and some individuals attempted to cross the security fences along the coastline. According to reports in the local press, 18 irregular migrants lost their lives in attempts to cross from the Castillejos coast to Ceuta.

There have been numerous crossing attempts in the region in recent days, mostly by swimming.

According to the same reports, approximately 1,500 people have crossed from Morocco to Ceuta in the last week, mostly by swimming. However, it was noted that official figures regarding these numbers have not yet been released.

Local press reported that there were fatalities during the crossing attempts.

According to the AP, thousands of people, mostly Moroccans, flocked to the area around the Tarajal border.

In a report by the Associated Press, it was stated that thousands of people, mostly Moroccans, headed toward the 3-kilometer Tarajal border between Morocco and Ceuta. Juan Jesus Vivas, President of the autonomous city of Ceuta, issued a national emergency call to the central government to deploy more police and soldiers to the border.

Spain announced that it would provide an emergency response to the situation in Ceuta.

The Spanish government is fully committed to providing an emergency response to the situation in Ceuta.
— Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that they are working in coordination with Moroccan and international authorities and that necessary measures are being prepared to “restore normal order as soon as possible.” Sanchez also noted that he discussed the steps taken by the government with the President of the autonomous city of Ceuta, Vivas.

Crossing attempts by sea have brought the security agenda around Ceuta to the forefront.

Rescue teams and security units continued their work in the region.

TROOPS TO BE DEPLOYED TO CEUTA

According to Spanish state television TVE, the government has decided to deploy armed forces to Ceuta to ensure security following the increase in migrant crossings.

The Madrid administration decided to expand security measures following the increased crossings.

The statement indicated that in addition to the 60 civil guards serving in border security, 20 personnel were dispatched to the region, and it is planned to deploy two more platoons consisting of a total of 40 personnel in the coming hours.

Swimming crossings have increased both security and search-and-rescue efforts in the region.

Some individuals used inflatable rings and similar materials in their crossing attempts.

Activity in the region continued during the night hours.

The presence of security forces and military units around Ceuta has been increased.

Roads around Fnideq and Ceuta were brought under control due to crossing attempts.

Additional measures were taken in the region after crowds headed toward the border line.

The activity around the Tarajal border alarmed Spanish and Moroccan security units.

Patrol boats intervened in the crossing attempts at sea.

Moroccan security forces worked in the region to prevent groups trying to reach Ceuta.

The congestion off the coast of Ceuta brought emergency security and rescue measures to the agenda in the region.