Spanish intelligence warned of Ceuta mass crossing plans
Declassified government documents reveal Spain's CNI warned authorities about social media calls for a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Spanish intelligence warned authorities ahead of the Ceuta migrant surge
- Declassified papers revealed WhatsApp and Facebook group calls
- At least 72,000 migrants crossed and over 100 died during the attempt
- Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of misleading the public
The Spanish government has released more than 40 declassified security documents showing that national intelligence services were well aware of social media plans encouraging a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta, just a day before the massive influx occurred.
Back on July 29, Spain's National Intelligence Service warned Moroccan and Ceuta authorities that groups on WhatsApp and Facebook were actively promoting an attempt to reach the Spanish exclave. Intelligence estimates indicated that roughly 180,000 individuals received messages stating that Throne Day on July 30 would be the final opportunity to cross while authorities were distracted by parades and celebrations.
Despite these early warnings, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez maintained that the events of July 30 were impossible to predict. However, the newly public documents have sparked immediate backlash from opposition politicians who argue that the government directly misled the public regarding its prior knowledge.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"the mass arrival of migrants was not expected"
Pedro Sánchez
Between July 30 and 31, at least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, mostly by swimming around the border fence. According to the city's mayor, at least 100 people died during the crossing attempts. Although a large portion returned, around 5,000 migrants remain in makeshift camps or on city streets and beaches, triggering local unrest and safety concerns among residents.
The release of these security files highlights mounting political pressure on Madrid over border security management and diplomatic relations with Morocco. The stark contradiction between internal intelligence warnings and public ministerial statements has intensified scrutiny over the administration's crisis response.
The administration continues to defend its actions, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stating he was unaware of any report foreseeing the sheer magnitude of the incident. Meanwhile, opposition figures like Jorge Buxadé have harshly criticized the government, demanding legal accountability for its handling of the security situation.
Source: BBC World
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