The death toll from last week's unprecedented migrant surge into Spain's Ceuta enclave has risen to 72, according to local officials, as the territory struggles to return to normalcy following the largest mass crossing in its history. Main Developments Government delegate Miguel Angel Perez Triano confirmed the updated fatality count on Sunday, up from the previous toll of 67. The deaths occurred during the chaotic influx when an estimated 60,000 people, mostly swimming around the border post, entered the Spanish territory from Morocco. Most of those who crossed have already returned voluntarily to Morocco within 48 hours, leaving only small groups of migrants still walking around the enclave. Spanish police and troops patrolled the streets as the area returned to relative calm, with cleanup crews collecting debris and clothing left behind during the rush. Read also: 5 Dead, 41 Missing in Indonesian Ferry Fire: Key Facts Security forces were seen detaining groups of exhausted migrants near Ceuta port, while inflatable rescue boats scoured waters around the border barrier where a new 500-metre floating boom has been deployed. Civil Guard officers escorted some migrants back to the border post for return to Morocco. Background The crisis echoes a similar event in 2021 when roughly 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta after Morocco eased border controls as diplomatic leverage against Spain. This week's surge was significantly larger, with analysts suggesting Morocco may have deliberately allowed migrants through to pressure Madrid over its recent diplomatic overtures toward Algeria, Rabat's regional rival. Spanish authorities blame criminal gangs for spreading rumors that a recent Supreme Court ruling on immigration would ease passage into Europe. Some migrants who crossed said they had heard the border was open, with the rumor rapidly amplified through social media channels. Why It Matters The mass crossing has triggered an international crisis for Spain, with European partners criticizing Madrid's immigration policies. Italian authorities have suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain for one month, allowing visa-free movement between borders to be temporarily halted. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded sharply, condemning the "selfish" reaction from some EU countries in a letter to European leaders. The incident exposes the fragility of Europe's external border controls and the diplomatic leverage migration flows can exert on bilateral relations between EU member states and North African nations. What's Next The European Union has scheduled a video call for Tuesday after 22 member states issued a joint open letter demanding an urgent meeting to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings. Moroccan officials have yet to issue any formal statement on the crisis, leaving questions about whether this represents a one-time event or a new pattern of coercive migration policy.