Morocco’s Ministry of Interior has commented on the recent Ceuta mass crossing, stating that the recent irregular migration attempts toward the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla were not spontaneous.
The ministry said the crossings were the result of several interconnected factors, including the malicious exploitation of digital platforms, the spread of misleading information, the activities of human trafficking networks, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative developments that falsely suggested migrants could reach Europe easily and without legal consequences.
Rachid El Khalti, the spokesperson for Morocco’s Interior Ministry said data collected as part of the assessment of the situation indicate that these events were “neither the result of temporary circumstances nor spontaneous developments.”
“Rather, they stemmed from the interaction of several overlapping factors, foremost among them the malicious exploitation of digital platforms, the dissemination of misleading information, the activities of human trafficking networks, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative provisions, all of which created the false impression that entry into the European area could be achieved easily and without legal consequences,” the ministry said.
The statement comes after the Ceuta mass crossings, which made headlines around the world. Videos and footage documented the mass crossings, sparking uproar and concerns.
Recent reports, including one from El Pais, said the situation was fueled by TikTok accounts that encouraged young people to take risks, alleging that the borders with Spain would be open and that the crossing would be easy.
The anonymous accounts also shared screenshots from Google Maps and showed people where they could get equipment to help them cross to the Spanish enclave.
Detailing the efforts Morocco put in place to tackle the situation, the Ministry of the Interior said authorities implemented a “proactive and comprehensive approach.”
“This strategy was based on the early monitoring of emerging indicators, raising levels of vigilance and mobilization, strengthening the preparedness of the various security services and territorial authorities, and intensifying both land and maritime surveillance,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the measures made it possible for Morocco to bring the situation under control, protect lives, preserve public order, secure the borders, and ensure strict compliance with the law while respecting the principle of proportionality in intervention.
The ministry also cited statistical data, which it described as accurate and available to the competent authorities, based on surveillance and field-monitoring systems deployed at the departure points of those attempting these irregular crossings. It said the actual number of individuals involved was approximately 40,000 people heading toward Ceuta and around 1,135 people heading toward Melilla.
All individuals who managed to reach Melilla were returned immediately.
Read also: Ceuta Crisis: Facts and Political Context Over Conspiracy
The spokesperson emphasized that the figures are based on precise statistical and field data collected through approved technical monitoring and tracking mechanisms, making them the official reference, unlike certain circulating figures that are not supported by reliable data or objective evidence.
The ministry also cited the Spanish Supreme Court ruling of July 8, which ruled that migrants who arrive by sea should not be subject to immediate returns, saying the decision was later exploited by human trafficking networks.
“These rulings, coupled with widespread misinterpretations and misleading narratives, led some prospective migrants to believe they could avoid immediate return. This, in turn, contributed to the emergence of a single predominant pattern of irregular migration attempts—crossing by swimming—as many came to believe this method offered a greater chance of avoiding immediate return,” the spokesperson said.
The Ministry of the Interior said that during the mass crossings, available data show that one accidental death was recorded, caused by a fall from a rocky area near the city of Ceuta, in addition to 10 deaths by drowning.
“This situation demonstrates that the short distance separating the two shores—less than 70 meters—and the relatively shallow depth, which in some places is little more than two meters, created a misleading perception among many participants that the crossing would be easy. As a result, they underestimated the risks and attempted crossings that, in some cases, ended in tragedy.”
The ministry said it also continues to verify reports of additional deaths on the other side in Ceuta through official channels of cooperation and coordination with its Spanish counterparts, in order to verify the accuracy of the information, as well as the actual number, identities, and nationalities of those concerned, and to complete the necessary legal, administrative, and humanitarian procedures.
Spanish authorities identified the death toll at 72 people, while Ceuta authorities said the number has reached 88, with local authorities mobilizing a morgue facility with capacity for 200 bodies.
As part of the cooperation between Spain and Morocco, migrants who entered the enclaves were returned, while border crossings were opened to those wishing to return voluntarily, a measure that contributed to the gradual restoration of normal conditions in the area.
An investigation is ongoing into the various acts and incidents related to these events to establish all the circumstances, identify responsibilities, and apply the appropriate legal consequences in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said, reiterating that managing migration cannot be achieved except through a comprehensive approach based on shared responsibility, genuine solidarity, and equitable burden-sharing.
The ministry also emphasized Morocco’s status as a reliable partner recognized internationally for its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and coordination in combating irregular migration and human trafficking.
“At the same time, Morocco will spare no effort in taking all necessary measures to protect public order, safeguard border security, and ensure the safety of people and property, within the framework of the rule of law and in full respect of the Kingdom’s national and international obligations,” the spokesperson said.
