Ursula von der Leyen says "images coming from Ceuta are unacceptable" amid migrant surge

Reacting to a sudden migration surge into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday that the events must not continue and that anyone entering the European Union has to follow its rules. She demanded an immediate halt to the arrivals, action against human smugglers, and quick removals. Officials reported roughly 60,000 migrants arrived from Morocco in one day, equal to about 70 percent of Ceuta’s permanent population; Ceuta’s president said at least 41 people died. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the influx a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity and blamed migrant smugglers. Authorities linked the surge partly to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling limiting expedited deportations of sea arrivals. Morocco’s ambassador said the situation unfolded against Morocco’s wishes. Italy’s premier separately threatened to suspend Schengen free-movement rules with Spain.