The Spanish Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that the migrants had been deported after their asylum applications were rejected and that Morocco had agreed to receive them. Nongovernmental organisations told Reuters that 16 people from African, Middle Eastern and Asian countries had been deported.
The move comes as the July border crisis continues to challenge Sánchez politically. At least 100 people died during the mass crossing into Ceuta, a city of about 80,000 residents covering 18.5 square kilometres. Tens of thousands of protesters have gathered across Spain in recent months to denounce the government's handling of the situation, while right-wing parties have used the crisis to attack the prime minister. The leader of the far-right Vox Party, Santiago Abascal, has branded Sánchez a "traitor". Snap elections are scheduled for November 29.
Amnesty International researcher Virginia Álvarez said: "Spain, despite its [progressive] speeches in Europe, is not ensuring that human rights guarantees are met for people who cross its borders in Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco does not respect many human rights."
Madrid disputes the allegations. The Interior Ministry told Reuters that the European Union considers Morocco to be a safe country and that deportations are carried out "with all the necessary safeguards".
Most of those who entered Ceuta in late July left within days, but about 8,000 migrants remain. Some sleep on the streets while others are housed by Spain, charities and civil society groups.