Ceuta returns to calm but grapples with border surge aftermath

Most of the 50,000-60,000 migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco, but some remain in hills and Spanish authorities search coastal waters for bodies.

At least 72 migrants were killed during the crossing, with Spain reporting deaths by drowning and a stampede; Morocco separately reported 11 deaths on its side.

Ceuta businesses reopened and daily life resumed in the city of about 84,000 people, which saw its population temporarily increase by over half.

Morocco blamed misinformation and human trafficking networks for the mass crossing and said an investigation was underway.

The crisis reignited Europe's immigration debate, with far-right politicians and influencers visiting Ceuta, prompting counter-protests from the local Muslim community.