Ceuta border crisis: Fake news and desperation drove thousands to try to enter

Last weekend, Spain's North African exclave Ceuta saw a record-breaking surge of illegal migrants, with up to 60,000 people attempting to cross into European Union territory in a single day. According to Germany's Tagesspiegel, the main drivers were fake news on social media, desperation over living conditions, and possibly deliberate inaction by Moroccan authorities.

Most migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco by swimming around the breakwater, covering several kilometers using inflatable devices, fins, and wetsuits. The journey proved extremely dangerous, with at least 72 bodies found by Sunday.

On Wednesday and Thursday, social media posts, primarily in Arabic, spread swiftly claiming that "Spain's border is open" and that Ceuta could be reached without documents. Some also asserted that a Spanish court had banned the return of illegal migrants and that reaching Ceuta by sea was easy. TikTok and other platforms featured videos of people already in Ceuta, creating the impression that entering the EU was simple and safe. Facebook users shared route tips, sea conditions, and even sold fins and wetsuits, advising migrants to swim in groups and avoid heavy luggage.

Several migrants told foreign media that Moroccan police did not stop them but rather encouraged them to head toward Spain, with some even pointing the way and saying, "Welcome to Spain." The Moroccan government officially denies responsibility, blaming "criminal organizations," but has not provided specific evidence.

Experts argue that social media rumors alone cannot explain such a massive movement. Morocco has long faced high youth unemployment and limited opportunities, leaving tens of thousands willing to risk their lives to reach Europe. Political analysts suggest that the weakening of border controls may be linked to political motives, including Morocco's internal political struggles ahead of parliamentary elections and tensions with Spain following the Spanish prime minister's visit to Algeria.

Spanish authorities said that almost all migrants have since returned voluntarily to Morocco, realizing they had virtually no chance of continuing to other EU countries and that Ceuta could not accommodate such numbers. To prevent a repeat, Spain has begun installing additional floating barriers and buoy lines in the sea near Ceuta's border.