French authorities tightened border surveillance with Spain on Friday morning, July 31, 2026, as an estimated 49,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta following overnight unrest along the Moroccan border.
Lines of migrants formed outside closed supermarkets across Ceuta on Friday morning.
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Local police officers intervened at several retail locations to manage the growing crowds gathering in public spaces.
Many migrants congregated along the seaside boulevard, with individuals sleeping on streets or seeking refuge near public fountains.
Spanish media outlets reported verbal confrontations between local residents on balconies and groups gathered below.
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Unrest in Beni Ensar
The influx follows overnight disturbances in the neighboring Moroccan port city of Beni Ensar.
According to Moroccan media reports, groups attacked police officers and set several automobiles on fire during the night leading into Friday.
Neighboring European nations are closely monitoring conditions along the border of the Schengen zone.
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French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on X on Friday morning that he ordered increased security measures along the French border with Spain.
