The sharp increase in the number of migrants arriving in Ceuta has become one of the most discussed topics in Spain. In February 2026, the number of illegal border crossings through this city reached 820 people, which is 12 times higher than the figure for the same period last year. This trend has raised concerns among local authorities and once again called into question the effectiveness of the country’s migration policy.
The main reason for this significant growth is said to be the mass legalization of foreigners initiated by Pedro Sánchez’s government in January. According to a source at RUSSPAIN.com, this decision was the catalyst for new migration waves, especially through Ceuta. In February 2025, just over 60 illegal crossings were registered here, and a year later the number rose to 820.
Routes and new schemes
Most arrivals used two main routes: by sea and by land. Of the 820 people, 340 crossed the border by sea, while 480 traveled overland, mainly in the Tarajal area and along stretches adjacent to the Moroccan border. However, Ceuta is not the only entry point. Increasingly, migrants from Algeria and Morocco are opting for more complex routes through Turkey and Bulgaria, and from there make their way to Spain via Irun and La Junquera.
Police report that such schemes are becoming increasingly popular due to weak controls along certain sections of Europe’s borders. As a result, the burden on Spanish border services and temporary accommodation centers is growing every month.
Disagreements in the statistics
There are discrepancies between agencies regarding the number of arrivals. The Ministry of the Interior claims that from January to February 2026, 1,257 people entered Ceuta illegally. Meanwhile, police representatives report 1,080 crossings just in January, and taking February into account, the total figure could approach 1,900. This discrepancy has sparked debates about the real scale of the problem and the effectiveness of control measures.
According to official data, migration increased by 700% over two months compared to last year, while police estimates put the figure at 900%. Authorities insist that legalization applies only to those already residing in the country and should not affect new influxes. However, the opposition and some experts believe that this very decision has served as a signal for new attempts to cross the border.
Response and consequences
In response to the situation, the opposition is calling for stricter legislation. Proposed changes include amending the law on foreigners and the Criminal Code to tighten requirements for obtaining a residence permit and introducing a mandatory certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin. It has also been noted that the current legalization procedure makes it easier for criminal groups to operate, as they sell fake documents to confirm residency in Spain.
Temporary migrant accommodation centers in Ceuta are overcrowded. Recently, due to a shortage of space, 106 people had to be transferred to other regions. The El Jaral center is operating over capacity: with 512 beds, it currently houses more than 800 people. Border services and police report a lack of resources to manage the situation.
Context and New Challenges
According to police estimates, the actual number of foreigners who may benefit from the new legalization exceeds 1.2 million, though officials cite 500,000. This raises concerns that the migrant flow will keep increasing and criminal schemes will develop further. At the same time, the government emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of the reform and the need to comply with European border control agreements.
In recent years, Ceuta and Melilla have repeatedly become flashpoints due to large-scale attempts to cross the border. In 2021, a similar crisis sparked diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco. Thousands of people entered Ceuta in just a few days, forcing authorities to urgently tighten security measures and overhaul migration policy. Similar incidents have occurred in other parts of the country, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of Spain’s illegal migration problem.
