MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has blamed human trafficking gangs after nearly 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, triggering one of the largest migration surges in recent years.

According to local media reports, at least 57 people died during the mass crossing, while Spanish authorities struggled to manage the unprecedented influx.

Sánchez described the incident as a “violation of Spain’s territorial integrity” and vowed to strengthen border security against criminal trafficking networks.

The crisis prompted Italy to suspend the Schengen border-free travel arrangements with Spain, citing concerns over migration and regional security.

The latest surge follows a ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court stating that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco without legal procedures.

Spanish officials said that by Friday evening, more than 48,000 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco.

One migrant told Reuters before returning home that the journey had become deadly. He urged others not to attempt the crossing, saying many people had lost their lives.

Located on the North African coast across the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta has long been a major gateway for migrants seeking entry into Europe. During the summer, trafficking networks often organize large-scale crossing attempts through social media.

Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s two autonomous enclaves in North Africa and represent the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. Both territories have remained a sensitive issue in diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco.

Local authorities had recently appealed to Madrid for additional support following a rise in attempted crossings. However, chaotic scenes unfolded on Thursday as border controls were overwhelmed by the massive influx of migrants.