Spanish intelligence says Morocco deliberately eased controls allowing tens of thousands into Ceuta
Madrid’s services say Rabat exploited the influx for political leverage; Morocco denies the claims.
Spanish intelligence services assess that Morocco deliberately relaxed border controls, allowing tens of thousands of migrants to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, in an episode reported on 04 August 2026.
Officials estimate that between 40,000 and 60,000 people arrived in Ceuta. The crisis began after false information circulated on social networks claiming that Spain would not return migrants who reached the city by sea.
Spain's services say Rabat did not organize the initial wave, but that it seized the opportunity to apply political pressure on Madrid and to reopen the sensitive question of Ceuta and Melilla, territories Morocco regards as its own.
Previous episode and regional context
A similar surge occurred in May 2021, when around 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta over two days after Moroccan border forces ceased preventing crossings. That episode raised long-standing tensions over migration and border control between Spain and Morocco.
Morocco rejects the accusations, saying the influx was driven by smuggling networks, a misinterpreted court ruling and disinformation on the internet. The disagreement underscores persistent diplomatic friction as both Madrid and Rabat navigate migration pressure and political rivalry over the enclaves.
Photo: press material from the event
