Morocco Blames Online Misinformation for Ceuta Border Surge

Morocco is pointing to the "malicious exploitation of digital platforms" and the spread of misleading information as primary causes for the recent massive surge of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that the influx was not spontaneous but resulted from a combination of factors.

Ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi detailed these factors, including the role of human trafficking networks and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative information. He said this created a "false impression that entry into the European area could be achieved easily and without legal consequences." Social media posts claiming "Spain is an open door," accompanied by videos of people swimming to Ceuta, were seen by some migrants, though the origin of these claims remains unclear.

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They were the outcome of the interaction of several overlapping factors, foremost among them the malicious exploitation of digital platforms, the dissemination of misleading information, the role of human trafficking networks, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative information aimed at creating the false impression that entry into the European area could be achieved easily and without legal consequences.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had previously blamed "human trafficking mafias" and a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that made it harder to turn away migrants arriving by sea. Many migrants who spoke to CBS News claimed they made spontaneous decisions to swim after seeing others do so and viewing posts referencing the court ruling, rather than having premeditated plans.

El Khalfi provided revised figures, stating that around 40,000 people headed toward Ceuta and 1,135 toward Melilla, a lower estimate than previously reported. Morocco's death toll also differed from Spanish authorities', with El Khalfi reporting 11 deaths compared to Spain's at least 72. Moroccan authorities are working with Spanish counterparts to verify the numbers and identities of those who died. Most migrants who entered Ceuta had returned to Morocco by Sunday, with many walking back across the border.

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Spain is an open door