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Spain Puts 500‑Metre Floating Barrier in Place as Mass Ceuta Crossings Largely Reverse

The barrier and a sustained security presence aim to stop further sea arrivals and enable rapid returns while legal limits on at‑sea expulsions complicate policy choices.

Overview

  • A mass breach that began on July 30 saw tens of thousands enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and prompted a large security operation to restore order.
  • Spanish authorities completed installation of a 500‑metre pneumatic floating barrier off the Tarajal breakwater and said it is now operational to block sea approaches.
  • Security forces report about 73,500 people have returned or been returned to Morocco and that roughly 3,000 security and military personnel remain deployed in Ceuta.
  • Authorities have recovered between about 67 and 72 bodies from the incident while unions such as the AUGC say the true death toll could exceed 100, creating calls for accountability.
  • Madrid says it will pursue fast expulsions but must respect a recent Supreme Court ruling that limits immediate at‑sea returns, and it is seeking continued cooperation with Morocco and a coordinated EU response.