49,000 Migrants Breach Spain's Ceuta Border in 24 Hours, Exceeding Half the Enclave's Population

Spain's interior ministry says more than 49,000 migrants swam or walked into Ceuta — a North African enclave of 85,000 — in the 24 hours before 31 July 2026. At least 18 died. The influx dwarfs the 10,000 crossings in Ceuta's 2021 crisis. Spain deployed military forces; the Melilla border was closed. Sánchez visited Tarajal as opposition demanded action.