MADRID, Spain (Diya TV) — Spain said Friday that nearly all of the estimated 50,000 migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco have now returned, easing an unprecedented migration crisis that shook Europe and sparked political tensions across the region.

The large-scale crossing began Thursday and quickly overwhelmed Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on Morocco’s northern coast. The enclave has a population of about 84,000 people. Thousands of migrants entered by land and sea, leaving local authorities struggling to respond. At least 57 people died during the crossings, according to the Spanish government. Many victims drowned as crowds rushed across the border.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Ceuta as the crisis unfolded. He described the mass arrival as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity. He also blamed false information spread by human traffickers after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants arriving by sea cannot automatically be returned to Morocco.

“What happened yesterday deserves our full reproach and our full condemnation,” Sánchez said.

Spain’s Interior Ministry estimated that about 50,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta between Thursday morning and Friday. However, officials said most later returned to Morocco. Reuters reported that hundreds walked back through official border crossings and openings in the border fence. Many migrants said they could not find food, shelter, or other basic services after reaching Ceuta.

The sudden influx placed enormous pressure on the small enclave. Local authorities struggled to provide emergency support as thousands of people gathered in streets and public spaces. Meanwhile, Spanish officials continued efforts to remove migrants who entered illegally, although the recent Supreme Court ruling limited immediate returns for those who arrived by sea.

The crisis also triggered strong reactions across Europe. Italy announced it had temporarily closed its air and maritime borders with Spain. Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said the move aimed to protect national security and defend Europe’s external borders. Earlier, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for Spain’s participation in the Schengen travel zone to be suspended.

Although Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla belong to the Schengen area, authorities still enforce border checks for travelers and goods moving between those territories and mainland Spain.

Elsewhere in Europe, leaders expressed concern over the growing migration pressure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union must protect its borders and enforce its immigration rules. In France, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez ordered additional border checks along the frontier with Spain.

The U.S. State Department criticized Spain’s immigration policies and argued that they encouraged large-scale illegal migration into Europe. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump pointed to the Ceuta crisis as a warning about border security. He urged Republicans to highlight the issue during upcoming midterm election campaigns.

Spain’s opposition also intensified its criticism. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right VOX party, accused Sánchez of failing to defend the country’s borders. In a post on X, he called the prime minister a traitor and demanded his removal from office.

Although the latest surge shocked officials, Ceuta has experienced similar migration crises before. In May 2021, more than 8,000 migrants entered the enclave within two days after border controls weakened temporarily. However, authorities said the current influx far exceeded previous incidents.

Some migrants also expressed regret after making the journey. A young Moroccan man from Tangier told Reuters that he decided to return because he had no access to food or shelter. He said he had not eaten since the previous day despite bringing money with him. He added that the experience was neither enjoyable nor worthwhile.

For now, Spain says the immediate emergency has eased as most migrants have gone back to Morocco.