France reinforces Spanish border as Ceuta migration crisis intensifies

France has stepped up security along its border with Spain in response to the escalating migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, deploying additional security forces, aircraft and drones, President Emmanuel Macron has announced.

In a post on X, Macron said France stood in solidarity with Spain and that he remained in close contact with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as authorities worked to manage the situation, Caliber.Az reports.

Face à la situation migratoire à Ceuta, j’ai été en contact avec le Président du gouvernement espagnol pour marquer notre solidarité et proposer toute aide nécessaire, y compris via Frontex.

Je salue la coopération en cours avec le Maroc,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 31, 2026

The French president said Paris was prepared to provide any necessary assistance, including support through the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. He also praised cooperation with Morocco, noting that more than 40,000 migrants had already been returned from Ceuta to Morocco through joint efforts.

Macron said France's interior minister was coordinating closely with his Spanish counterpart and that he had ordered enhanced controls along the Franco-Spanish border as early as the previous day if circumstances required.

"Four mobile force units, aircraft, and drones have been deployed," Macron said.

He added that the measures build on France's broader border security strategy introduced in 2020, including joint operational units with Spain and coordinated efforts to combat irregular migration.

Macron also reaffirmed France's support for European mechanisms to return irregular migrants and implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. He said irregular migration to the European Union had fallen by 25% last year and continued to decline in 2026 along both the Atlantic and western Mediterranean routes.

The French leader concluded by calling for a coordinated European response to strengthen the bloc's external borders and improve the enforcement of migrant return procedures, while reiterating France's support for Spain.

The announcement comes after Spanish authorities estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, the Spanish territory bordering Morocco, over Thursday and Friday. Although officials said at least 48,300 people had been returned to Morocco by Friday afternoon, the mass crossing sparked renewed political debate across Europe over migration policy.

A spokesperson for Spain's government in Ceuta said at least 60 people had died in recent days while attempting to reach the enclave.

By Sabina Mammadli