Migrants attempt to storm reception centre in Ceuta

A group of several dozen migrants attempted to force entry into a temporary reception centre in Ceuta, Spanish authorities said, as pressure on the enclave continues following a recent surge in arrivals.

According to EFE, the facility was already at full capacity at the time of the incident. Migrants damaged part of the perimeter fencing before police intervened.

Security forces established a cordon around the main entrance, preventing the group from entering the centre. In recent hours, access to the facility has reportedly been restricted to women and girls only.

The incident follows a large-scale influx on July 30, when thousands of migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or by crossing on foot around the breakwater separating the enclave from Morocco.

Estimates of arrivals vary. Local authorities put the figure at around 60,000, while Spain’s Interior Ministry reported approximately 50,000. EFE said that about 53,000 migrants have since returned to Morocco.

At least 67 people died while attempting to reach the territory, underscoring the scale and risks of the migration surge.

By Tamilla Hasanova