Thousands of Migrants Cross into Ceuta, Many Return Voluntarily

Multiple Moroccan illegal migrants who crossed into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta this week claimed they were encouraged by Moroccan authorities and social media messages claiming the border was open. Meanwhile, Spain moved to reinforce the enclave's border after the unprecedented influx that has now left at least 67 people dead. "They just kept saying, 'Go that way, go that way,'" said Youssef Alaoui, 26, recalling his approach to the border before swimming into Ceuta, as quoted by the New York Times. He said he crossed the maritime frontier past the bodies of migrants who had drowned. Others said they had seen social media posts suggesting Spain had opened its border, although the origin of the messages remains unclear. "It helped that the Moroccan authorities had let them through. They opened the border and let everyone go by," said Ajoub el-Arrot, 24, who cited unemployment in Morocco as another reason for making the journey. "You ask why everyone came — because there's no work in Morocco," he said. Many migrants said they had made the journey with little planning after hearing friends were heading to Spain. However, the lack of food, water and shelter in Ceuta prompted thousands to abandon their attempt. Spanish authorities said the vast majority of those who crossed had already returned voluntarily to Morocco. "All these people are hungry because we have not eaten in two days," said Soufiane ez-Znafry, 26, who decided to return after finding supermarkets closed and no assistance available. Not everyone was prepared to leave. Zakaria Lahmer, 23, said he intended to remain in Ceuta despite the uncertainty. "I don't want to live in Morocco. I want to live in Europe," he said. Although those claims have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, Spain has since announced plans to install a containment barrier along the breakwater extending into the sea to reinforce Ceuta's border after tens of thousands of migrants entered the enclave over two days. Spanish authorities said more than 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta by land and sea, while regional officials estimated the figure may have reached 60,000. The death toll also has now risen to 67, with many migrants believed to have drowned or been crushed while attempting to scale the border fence or navigate the breakwater. The crisis has triggered political tensions across Europe, prompted Spain to deploy the military to reinforce the enclave, and reignited debate over migration policy across the European Union.