Spain’s position on the Ceuta border crisis has shifted sharply. After weeks of careful statements, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez now says Moroccan involvement in the mass entry of migrants cannot be ruled out. That breaks with the government’s earlier insistence that no evidence linked Rabat to the events that overwhelmed Ceuta’s border at the end of July.
Appearing before Congress on September 3, 2026, Sánchez said Spanish intelligence services had found no solid proof implicating Morocco, Russia or Israel in organizing the border breach. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and international bodies had not confirmed Moroccan state involvement, but said that could change as investigations continue. Reuters and other outlets reported that the phrase "for the moment" now shapes Madrid’s position, leaving room for action if new evidence emerges.
Information from BBC and Reuters, about 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta during the mass border breach on July 30 and 31. Later reports suggest even higher numbers, with dozens dead or missing.
This shift follows a confidential report from the Centro Nacional de Inmigración y Fronteras, sent to Judge María Tardón. The document describes "prior planning" and "active guidance by Moroccan forces" during the July 30 and 31 events, suggesting coordination beyond what criminal networks could manage. The government has moved from earlier denials to a more cautious stance: if hard evidence emerges, Spain will respond.
Diplomatic tensions have also risen. Sánchez revealed that Spain summoned Morocco’s ambassador, Karima Benyaich, on August 21, after Moroccan ministers publicly invoked "historic rights" over Ceuta and Melilla. Kept quiet until now, the move reflects the sensitivity of the situation and Madrid’s desire to avoid open confrontation while investigations continue. Spanish media reported on September 3 that the government had found the ministers’ statements unacceptable, a sign of fragile relations.
Despite mounting evidence, Sánchez maintains that no Spanish or international agency has provided conclusive proof of state-backed coordination. He said intelligence and security reports reviewed by the government before the crisis described routine risks, not the scale or likelihood of the mass entry. That contrasts with reports that some intelligence warnings did flag the risk of a "collapse" at the border, as reported earlier.
BBC and France24 have cited Spanish police and internal reports alleging "total permissiveness" by Moroccan security forces during the border breach. That falls short of official confirmation of state orchestration, but adds context to the crisis and has fueled debate in Spain over whether border cooperation was adequate.
Sánchez said the surge in crossings was first seen as a seasonal rise: daily swim entries climbed from 10 to 37, then jumped to 194 on the eve of the crisis. Coordination between Madrid and Ceuta’s local government was described as adequate, though the prime minister disputed claims that central authorities had been warned of an imminent mass entry. He blamed the sudden escalation on July 30 on the viral spread of a court ruling on "hot returns," which he argued triggered a wave of crossings by young migrants.
Pressed on the government’s response, Sánchez admitted shortcomings for the first time. Addressing Ceuta’s residents, he said official actions had not restored normality and acknowledged successes as well as failures in the state’s handling of the crisis. Until then, only the defense minister had publicly apologized for the sense of abandonment in Ceuta.
The prime minister also confirmed that King Felipe VI is expected to visit Ceuta and Melilla "in the coming weeks" to reinforce the state’s commitment to the two autonomous cities. The announcement follows calls from Ceuta’s president for a royal visit to show support amid ongoing uncertainty.
Madrid faces diplomatic caution and growing pressure for answers. Its willingness to reconsider Morocco’s role after weeks of denial comes amid mounting evidence and public scrutiny. As the investigation continues, the government must address national security concerns while preserving diplomatic ties and the trust of residents in Ceuta and Melilla.
