At least 60,000 migrants entered Spain's North African autonomous city of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours from Thursday night, according to the report. The influx was said to equal nearly 70% of Ceuta's total population. Spain deployed additional security forces but had not yet fully brought the situation under control.

Local authorities said migrants entered in groups by swimming across the sea, using small boats, and crossing wave barriers and barbed-wire fences at the border. Most were young men, though many families with women and children also attempted to cross. Ceuta local president Juan Jesus Vivas reported at least 41 deaths, with authorities saying people died by drowning during sea crossings or were crushed in crowds.

Ceuta's administration requested more forces from Madrid, while Spain said it was deploying armed forces and diving teams. Many irregular migrants have already been returned to Morocco. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed human-trafficking networks, and Spain's Interior Ministry said the two countries were working closely to control the border and coordinate rapid returns.