Spanish report flags Moroccan police's 'total permissiveness' in Ceuta migrant rush

What the report says

A Spanish police report reviewed by AFP says Moroccan security forces showed “total permissiveness” during the large migrant crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in July. The report, cited by France 24, said the border deployment on the Moroccan side was smaller than usual and referred to migrants describing a passive attitude by officers as many people entered the territory. The alleged handling of the border has become part of a wider dispute over how the mass arrival unfolded.

France 24 reported that about 72,000 people reached Ceuta during the surge, with at least 90 deaths recorded in attempts to get to Europe. While most of those who crossed were quickly returned or went back across the border, Spanish authorities said roughly 5,000 people, including 1,200 minors, were still in Ceuta weeks later. The influx overwhelmed local services and intensified political pressure on Spain’s central government.

The crisis has also fueled protests in Ceuta and broader criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government. Regional leader Juan Jesús Vivas said the episode amounted to a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity. According to France 24, conservative and far-right parties have used the issue to attack the government, while local officials argued earlier warning signs were ignored. Separately, the Spanish government has said the influx was encouraged by an online campaign, though the report cited by AFP focused on border policing and migrant testimony.