Intelligence warned of mass crossing

Declassified Spanish documents reveal intelligence services warned authorities about planned mass migrant crossings into Ceuta a day before tens of thousands entered the territory.

Online groups targeted holiday distraction

Intelligence tracked messages sent to 180,000 people urging them to cross during Morocco's Throne Day, taking advantage of distracted security forces.

“Whoever wants to cross has the last chance on Throne Day [30 July] at 8 the authorities will be distracted with the celebrations and parades.”

Mass surge leaves lasting crisis

At least 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta over two days, resulting in at least 100 deaths. Around 5,000 people remain in makeshift camps and on city streets.

Government minimizes intelligence warnings

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously claimed the crisis was impossible to predict. Officials defend the oversight, calling the intelligence texts routine info-sharing rather than a formal alert.

“the mass arrival of migrants was not expected”

Opposition demands accountability for fallout

Rival political parties accuse the administration of misleading Spaniards and failing to act, with some calling to try top leadership for security failures.

“They had the information, they are directly responsible for the invasion of Ceuta and for those who died”