Spanish intelligence warned of Ceuta mass crossing plans before surge

Spanish intelligence services warned the Moroccan and Ceuta authorities on 29 July that social media groups were calling for a mass migrant crossing the next day, just before the surge of tens of thousands of people entered the autonomous city, newly released documents show.

At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July. More than 100 people lost their lives during the crossing, according to figures from Ceuta’s mayor. While most returned home, around 5,000 remain in makeshift camps or sleeping on the city’s streets and beaches, sparking unrest.

In a note, Spain’s National Intelligence Service (CNI) told Moroccan intelligence that about 180,000 people had received messages on WhatsApp and Facebook urging them to cross the fence or swim the sea. One message read: “Whoever wants to cross will have the last chance on Throne Day 30 July at 8; authorities will be distracted with celebrations and parades.”

Despite the warnings, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the mass arrival was not expected, a claim that opposition politicians now dispute. “They had the information, they are directly responsible for the invasion of Ceuta and for those who died,” warned Ester Muñoz of the People’s Party. Vox’s Jorge Buxadé called for Sánchez to be charged with treason.

The government insists it acted with the information available, but the documents show that the intelligence reports did not convey the magnitude of the crisis. A government source said the documents displayed that the information, before the crossing, did not allow adequate preparation or response.

Meanwhile, locals have expressed safety concerns, with some destroying shelters and blocking aid to migrants.