Spanish authorities report that more than 37,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, updating the previous estimate of 25,000. The figure marks a continued repatriation amid the ongoing migrant crisis that saw tens of thousands enter the territory earlier this week.
Spanish authorities reported Friday evening that more than 37,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from the enclave of Ceuta, updating the earlier estimate of 25,000. The new figure, reported at 18:02 Jerusalem, marks a continued climb in repatriations throughout the day, as the unprecedented migrant surge that began Thursday continues to evolve.
The mass influx first emerged Thursday, when an estimated 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming the enclave's infrastructure. By Thursday evening, hundreds of migrants were returning voluntarily, citing 'nothing but hunger and oppression' in the Spanish territory, as The Zioneer reported at 23:46. On Friday morning, the Spanish Interior Ministry reported that 25,000 had returned out of the 60,000 who entered, a figure The Zioneer updated at 10:56. The repatriation number steadily rose through the afternoon, reaching over 37,500 by Friday evening.
The crisis has strained diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco. As The Zioneer reported at 14:02 Friday, the Spanish newspaper El País cited government assessments that Moroccan border guards may have 'disappeared' for hours, potentially facilitating the initial influx. The enclave's population surged by more than 60% in a single day, with reception centers operating at over 2,400% capacity, according to earlier reports. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has visited Ceuta as the situation unfolds.
The total number of migrants still present in Ceuta remains unclear, and the situation continues to develop. Further updates are expected as repatriation efforts proceed.
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