Spain Ceuta

Migrants who crossed into Spain from Morocco collect water distributed by Spanish soldiers in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.

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In Ceuta, some migrants cling to hopes of someday reaching mainland Spain

In Ceuta, some migrants cling to hopes of someday reaching mainland Spain

Dikra is a 20-year-old migrant from Morocco. She has spent five days in Ceuta after swimming to the Spanish territory with her sister and cousin. She relies on local residents for food and is determined not to return home. By Sunday, Dikra was among the last migrants in the city after tens of thousands returned to Morocco. The crossing resulted in at least 72 deaths and reignited immigration debates in Europe. Abdel Karim, 35, also from Morocco, waits for updates outside Ceuta's migration center. He hopes to find work in Spain despite being expelled from France. Hundreds of migrants remain in Ceuta facing uncertain futures.