Why 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco after crossing into Spain’s Ceuta

Summary

Thousands of migrants who risked their lives to swim across the sea or climb border fences into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta are now voluntarily returning to Morocco, saying hunger, exhaustion, police restrictions and hostility from some residents shattered their hopes of reaching mainland Europe, news agency Reuters reported. At least 67 people died, with many drowning or being crushed during the rush across the border, according to Spanish authorities. Several migrants told Reuters they had crossed after watching viral social media videos and receiving messages suggesting that Spain’s heavily guarded border could be breached and that entry into mainland Europe would follow. According to Reuters, people leaving Ceuta by ferry or air undergo police identity checks before entering mainland Spain, creating a second layer of border control despite Ceuta being Spanish territory. This migrant spoke with CBS News’ @aidan_stretch — the only broadcast news reporter on the… pic.twitter.com/QDNBgSRsfD After restoring order, Spain began reinforcing its border with Morocco. He credited cooperation with Moroccan authorities for helping Spain regain control of the border within 24 hours. Twenty-two EU member states have called for an emergency meeting of interior ministers to discuss coordinated border measures, arguing that uncontrolled mass crossings could encourage further illegal migration. The countries also called for stronger support from the EU’s border agency, Frontex, and a review of cooperation with Morocco. At the same time, Sánchez criticised proposals by some European politicians to suspend Spain from the Schengen passport-free zone, calling such suggestions “selfish, polarising and unlawful.” Italy has already announced temporary border controls for travellers arriving from Spain by air and sea. Mohamed Ahmed, a Sudanese migrant, told Reuters he had swum for four hours to reach Ceuta after being dropped near the border by a truck. “I’m not going back,” he said.