The figure of 141 comes from NGO counts (Moroccan and Spanish civil-society organisations) covering both sides of the Ceuta border; the Spanish government's official figure was lower (about 67 as of early August 2026), so the number is disputed and evolved rapidly in the days following the incident.
The claim also asserts that 'the vast majority of the others were expelled'; this second element (mass returns/expulsions of the migrants who crossed) is reported in the same coverage but is not quantified in the sources consulted.
No primary official source (Spanish Interior Ministry, Eurostat, or an official inquiry report) publishing the 141 figure was located; the number rests on NGO tallies relayed by the press.
Sources
SecondaryCadena SER"Se eleva a 141 la cifra de migrantes muertos en la tragedia del Tarajal de Ceuta... Al menos 141 personas perdieron la vida en la tragedia del Tarajal de la pasada semana en Ceuta tras la entrada masiva de migrantes que cruzaron..."
SecondaryEl País"Las ONG de Marruecos han elevado a 141 la cifra de muertos a ambos lados de la frontera de Ceuta durante la entrada irregular de miles de..."
SecondaryPúblico"141 personas han muerto en la tragedia de Ceuta tras la entrada masiva de migrantes desde Marruecos de la semana pasada, según el último..."
SecondaryMiddle East Eye"At least 141 people died after Moroccan authorities opened the border gates into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, triggering what appears to be..."