On July 30, Authorities Intervened As Over 800 Migrants Attempted to Swim From Morocco's Fnideq Coast to Ceuta

Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said nearly 70,000 of about 72,000 irregular migrants who entered Ceuta, Spain's North African territory, have returned to Morocco. Speaking after an emergency EU interior ministers meeting, Marlaska noted that 75 people died during the crossings, while local media had earlier reported 88 deaths. He said Spain is handling those remaining in its territory and may deport them if needed.

Marlaska also said EU ministers appreciated Spain's response to the migrant crisis and agreed to tackle online disinformation, which he said has fueled mass crossings and endangered lives. Separately, Spanish police told El Pais that 44 migrants are missing after trying to enter Ceuta. On July 30, authorities intervened as over 800 migrants attempted to swim from Morocco's Fnideq coast to Ceuta. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said the government mobilized all available resources, and Madrid deployed armed forces to the area to bolster security.