Spain regains control of Ceuta border after massive migrant influx

MADRID: Spain has regained control of its border in Ceuta after tens of thousands of undocumented migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco, overwhelming local authorities. More than 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city on the North African coast, from Morocco since Wednesday.

Spain, caught off guard by the sudden influx, deployed the military on Friday to restore order. Security along the border has been tightened, and floating barriers have been installed at sea to prevent further crossings.

Meanwhile, the death toll among migrants attempting to reach Ceuta has risen to 67. Many drowned at sea, while others died in stampedes and clashes near the land border.

After realising that shelter and food would not be immediately available, more than 48,300 migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco. Around 2,000 people remain in Ceuta, most of them injured or unaccompanied minors.

Children will not be sent back immediately

• Under Spanish law, unaccompanied children cannot be deported immediately. They have been moved to temporary shelters, many of which are already overcrowded.
• Responsibility for the children lies with the regional government. They can only be returned after legal procedures, including investigations and approval from child welfare authorities.
• Adult migrants who do not have valid documents or do not qualify for asylum are likely to be deported. Spain will also examine asylum applications in accordance with international law, including cases involving threats to life or political persecution.

Italy suspends Schengen border agreement with Spain

Italy has strongly criticised Spain's handling of the migrant crisis and has temporarily suspended the Schengen border agreement with Spain. As a result, travellers arriving from Spain will face stricter checks at Italy's airports and seaports. The Schengen Agreement allows passport-free travel between participating European countries. Italy has also called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen area.

Germany and France have also tightened border security in response to the situation. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused some European countries of acting selfishly in response to the Ceuta migrant crisis.