CEUTA: At least 72 people have died following last week’s mass migrant crossing into Spain’s Ceuta enclave, as Spanish authorities tightened security and most of the estimated 60,000 migrants returned to Morocco.
The updated death toll was confirmed on Sunday by Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, the Spanish government’s representative in Ceuta.
“The latest figure that we have is 72,” he told reporters.
The previous official death toll stood at 67.
Most migrants return to Morocco
Authorities said the majority of those who entered the Spanish territory voluntarily returned to Morocco within 48 hours.
By Sunday, only small groups of migrants remained in Ceuta, while police and military personnel continued patrolling the streets.
Spanish rescue teams also searched coastal waters near the border, where authorities have reinforced security with a 500-metre floating barrier extending into the Mediterranean Sea.
Border security strengthened
Spanish Civil Guard officers escorted migrants back to the border crossing as authorities sought to restore normalcy following the unprecedented influx.
Cleanup crews were seen removing clothes, rubbish and debris left behind during the mass crossing.
Rumours fuelled the crossing
Spanish authorities blamed criminal networks for spreading false claims on social media that a recent Supreme Court immigration ruling had made it easier for migrants to enter Spain.
Many migrants said they crossed after hearing rumours that the border had been opened.
Some analysts also suggested Morocco may have relaxed border controls to increase diplomatic pressure on Spain, although Moroccan officials have not commented publicly on the incident.
EU response under discussion
The crisis has prompted concern across Europe.
The European Union is scheduled to hold a video conference on Tuesday after 22 member states called for an urgent coordinated response to prevent further uncontrolled migrant crossings.
Meanwhile, Italy has temporarily suspended parts of its Schengen arrangements with Spain for one month, citing migration concerns.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised what he described as the “selfish” response of some European partners.
