Spain says most migrants have returned to Morocco
Spain's government said that an estimated 48,300 migrants were back in Morocco on Friday evening. Italy has temporarily suspended its Schengen free-travel pact with Spain
Migrants gather in downtown Ceuta, Spain, July 31, 2026, as migrants cross into Ceuta by sea and land. Photo: REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
Spain's government estimated that 48,300 migrants had returned to Morocco by 6 pm local time (4 pm UTC) on Friday. The figures mean that most of the 60,000 migrants estimated to have crossed the border into Ceuta had already left.
According to Reuters, several hundred people were seen voluntarily making their way back to Morocco through border posts and holes in the fence. Some reportedly said they were unable to find food or shelter in Ceuta.
Moroccan police in riot gear used tear gas to disperse some of those still gathering near the border fences, according to Reuters.
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