Spain announced it was installing a containment barrier along the breakwater fence into the sea after around 60,000 people crossed into Spain’s enclave in North Africa.
France and Italy bolstered border controls on Saturday after the influx that sparked one of the largest migrant crises for the European Union in recent years.
The migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, the enclave’s regional president Juan Jesus Vivas said, but by Friday evening officials said more than 48,000 had returned.
To cross into Ceuta, many swam around a small border barrier that juts out into the Mediterranean, with dozens drowning in the process.
France tightened checks on its border with Spain and said it would increase its police presence there fivefold to 334 officers and gendarmes by Saturday.
Italy announced it had suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain allowing for visa-free movement between borders.
Italian officials said the suspension would take effect on Saturday and last for one month.
Several European countries suggested Spain’s membership in the Schengen free movement zone should be suspended, though Spain’s foreign minister said integrity of the zone was “guaranteed”.
Madrid rushed troops, more police, drones, divers and boats to the outpost that it has run for centuries as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his interior minister visited on Friday.
Overnight into Saturday, groups of young people could be seen wandering the beaches and streets of Ceuta. Dozens of men slept on the sand.
There was a massive police and military presence in the area, and some young people were seen turning back, saying “adios” or “goodbye” to officers before crossing over the border to Morocco. (AP & AFP)
