Spain deployed its military to Ceuta on July 31, 2026, after thousands of migrants crossed the border from Morocco into the small North African enclave, with at least nine people dying in the attempt, according to NPR.
Ceuta is a Spanish territory that shares a land border with Morocco. Spanish soldiers moved through the enclave rounding up Moroccan nationals who had entered and were hoping to stay, the Financial Times reported. Spain then moved to return those migrants to Morocco.
Local residents expressed opposition to the arrivals, and some described the influx as an invasion, the Financial Times said.
Spain's military deployment was ordered to restore order inside the enclave following the mass crossing.