Spanish intelligence services warned Moroccan and Ceuta authorities on 29 July that social media groups were encouraging migrants to cross the following day. The warning came just a day before the largest migration surge into the Spanish exclave, when at least 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July.
Declassified documents show that the National Intelligence Service (CNI) identified WhatsApp and Facebook groups promoting an attempt to reach Ceuta via swimming or the border fence. The CNI estimated that around 180,000 people were receiving the messages, one of which read: “Whoever wants to cross has the last chance on Throne Day [30 July] at 8 the authorities will be distracted with the celebrations and parades.”
The CNI also sent a text message warning the central government’s representation in Ceuta and the civil guard about the social media activity. The documents are part of more than 40 security files released after mounting pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over his handling of the crisis.
Sánchez has insisted that the events of 30 July were impossible to predict, but opposition parties argue the new material contradicts that claim. “They had the information, they are directly responsible for the invasion of Ceuta and for those who died,” said Ester Muñoz of the People’s Party. Vox’s Jorge Buxadé called for Sánchez to be brought before the Supreme Court for treason and security crimes.
At least 100 people died during the crossing, and as many as 5,000 remain in makeshift camps or sleeping on the city’s streets and beaches, sparking unrest. Local residents have expressed safety concerns, with some destroying shelters and blocking aid to migrants.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said he was “not aware of any report that might have foreseen the magnitude of what happened on July 30.” A government source noted the documents showed the information available before the mass crossing did not allow authorities to anticipate the scale of the crisis or prepare an adequate response in time.
Central government delegate in Ceuta, Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, said the WhatsApp messages from 29 July did not constitute an alert or report, merely an exchange of information. The government maintains it acted according to the information available.
