--- title: "Migration collapse in Ceuta: Spain deporting tens of thousands while search for the dead continues in the waters" description: "Spain carried out a mass deportation of more than 48,000 migrants back to Morocco, leaving only 1,700 people on its territory. The tragedy in the waters of Ceuta claimed the lives of at least 57 people. In response, France and Italy tightened border control, while Donald Trump called the events an \"invasion\" 🚨πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ΈπŸŒŠ" date: 2026-07-31T19:32:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/migration-collapse-in-ceuta-spain-deporting-tens-of-thousands-while-search-for-the-dead-continues-in-the-waters tags: [spain, ceuta, donald-trump, migration-crisis, morocco] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Migration collapse in Ceuta: Spain deporting tens of thousands while search for the dead continues in the waters ![Group of migrants on the beach in Ceuta, Spain, amid a migration crisis](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/31/migratsionnyy-kollaps-v-seute-isspaniya-deportiruet-desyatki-tysyach/migratsionnyy-kollaps-v-seute-isspaniya-deportiruet-desyatki-tysyach-1.webp) A large-scale humanitarian and security operation is unfolding on the border between Spain and Morocco. According to the latest data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, by 18:00 more than 48,300 illegal migrants had been expelled back to Morocco. As a result of this unprecedented wave of deportations, only about 1,700 people who managed to cross the border remain on Spanish territory. ### Tragedy in the waters of El Tarajal The mass exodus was accompanied by a serious tragedy. Rescuers pulled approximately 60 bodies from the sea off Ceuta. At least 57 people died trying to reach European territory. Most of the victims drowned while attempting to swim across the border breakwater in the El Tarajal area. A complex search operation has been launched in the waters near the border. It involves two teams of divers β€” a total of eight officers from the Special Underwater Group of the Civil Guard (GEAS). They continue their work to locate and recover bodies from the water. ### Reaction of neighbors and world leaders The migration crisis in Ceuta has triggered a chain reaction among European Union countries. France, concerned by the situation, has tightened control at its border with Spain. Paris has deployed additional forces, including aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles, to prevent possible migrant infiltration into its territory. Similar measures have been taken in Italy. The country's Ministry of the Interior has ordered the closure of maritime and air borders with Spain, aiming to isolate the situation and prevent the spread of the migration flow. The events in Spain have also caused a stir on the international stage. US President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, stated that he was watching a "disaster." He characterized the mass border crossing as an event resembling an "invasion".