Most of those who came to the territory, a Spanish exclave in Africa, have returned across the border to Morocco. At least 67 people died trying to enter, the authorities said.

Spanish authorities said that despite the record crossing of migrants, almost everyone who entered illegally has returned to Morocco.

Close to 50,000 Moroccan migrants crossed into Spain's Ceuta enclave in just two days, creating a humanitarian emergency and leaving behind striking scenes along Europe's southern border.

Spain and Morocco reinforced the border fence of a Spanish enclave after around 49,000 people arrived by sea in one day. Dozens of bodies have been recovered, Spanish authorities said.

Most of the migrants returned to Morocco after as many as 60,000 overwhelmed the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta.

Tens of thousands of migrants surged into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco, prompting a military deployment and a new State Department travel advisory.

Around 50,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta this week, a mass influx that overwhelmed local authorities. At least 57 people died during the crossings, which prompted tighter border security measures across Europe.