Morocco blames Ceuta border surge on "exploitation of digital platforms," misleading info

August 3, 2026 / 9:56 AM EDT / CBS News

Morocco blames Ceuta border surge on "exploitation of digital platforms," misleading info

TL;DR

  • Morocco blames "malicious exploitation of digital platforms" and misleading information for the migrant surge into Ceuta.
  • Migrants reported seeing social media posts and videos suggesting "Spain is an open door."
  • Spain's Prime Minister previously blamed "human trafficking mafias."
  • Moroccan officials estimate around 40,000 people headed toward Ceuta and 1,135 toward Melilla.
  • Conflicting death tolls were reported: 11 by Morocco and at least 72 by Spain.
  • Most migrants have been returned to Morocco, and those reaching Melilla were immediately sent back.
  • Spain intends to add fencing around Ceuta.
  • European leaders reacted with condemnation and calls for strengthened border controls.