Spanish intelligence warned of Ceuta mass crossing plans before surge

What the report says

Spanish intelligence had warned officials in both Spain and Morocco about online calls for a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta the day before tens of thousands of people entered the Spanish enclave, according to newly declassified government documents reported by BBC Africa. The material was released as pressure grew on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over his government’s handling of the July influx and allegations that Spain had not fully explained what it knew in advance.

According to the BBC’s report, the National Intelligence Service sent messages on 29 July flagging WhatsApp and Facebook groups urging people to cross the next day, including by swimming or climbing the border fence. The warning was also passed to Spain’s representation in Ceuta and to the civil guard. Spanish officials have said the intelligence available did not allow them to foresee the scale of the movement.

BBC Africa says at least 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July. Many returned, but several thousand remained in temporary camps or on streets and beaches, contributing to tension in the city. Ceuta’s mayor said at least 100 people died during the crossing.

The disclosures add context to an already contentious dispute in Spain over whether the crisis was predictable and whether Morocco played any role in facilitating it. Opposition parties say the documents undermine Sánchez’s public statements, while the government continues to deny that it had clear advance notice of the magnitude of the event.