Spain imposes border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies

The Telegraph ^ | August 7, 2026

[MinorityRepublican]

Spain announced it would temporarily establish border controls for flights and ships from Italy as a row between the two countries over the influx of migrants into Ceuta intensified.

Passport, nationality and visa checks would be conducted for visitors and maritime passengers arriving from Italy from midnight on Friday until Sept 7 "amid the persistent irregular migratory pressure" from Rome, the Spanish government declared.

Spain said the measures would apply while Italy applied its own measures, which Rome said were motivated by the mass migration rush by 72,000 people to Spain's African exclave of Ceuta on July 30.

Hours earlier, Spain threatened Italy with countermeasures if it did not swiftly lift its own border checks, drawing a rebuff from Rome.

Of the 72,000 people who entered Ceuta, 70,000 had returned to Morocco, according to official Spanish figures, while many, including children, were still in the exclave in dire conditions.

Spanish authorities said 80 people died in the crossings, although rights groups estimated the total to be higher.

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TOPICS: European Union
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[butlerweave]

They’re not migrants they are Leeches that want free stuff for life

[Freee-dame]

The “children” have no ID papers and so who knows if they are 17 or 27.

[oldplayer]

Oh, I’m sure that Italy will be all upset by strict border controls with Spain!