CEUTA — The Spanish government released 40 declassified documents regarding the Ceuta border crisis on Wednesday. The files detail intelligence warnings issued by the National Intelligence Center ahead of a mass crossing into the enclave in July 2026.

A CNI document issued on July 30, 2026, stated it was highly likely that Moroccan authorities were not actively encouraging the migratory wave but had acted in a negligent and passive manner. Approximately 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta following the mass crossing, according to the Spanish national government. Local officials in Ceuta cite a figure of up to 10,000 remaining migrants. Madrid has pledged $357 million in aid for the crisis in Ceuta.

Timeline

On July 29, 2026, the National Intelligence Center sent a WhatsApp alert to the Spanish government’s delegation in Ceuta regarding social media calls for an assault on the border fence and by sea. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska acknowledged that hundreds of migrants had reached Ceuta in the days immediately prior to the mass crossing. On July 29, 2026, the CNI sent a note to Moroccan intelligence agencies DGST and DGED warning of plans for migrants to enter Ceuta by climbing the border fence or swimming. The CNI warned that migrants might take advantage of Morocco’s national Throne Day, celebrated on July 30, to attempt the crossing.

The CNI WhatsApp message stated that two different social media groups had a total of 180,000 followers. On July 29, 2026, the CNI sent warnings to Spain’s Civil Guard police force about several groups on Facebook and WhatsApp encouraging crossing attempts. More than 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, 2026. Ceuta’s mayor reported that at least 100 people died during the crossing.

What's New

The official record states that the Spanish government's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, summarized that the CNI informed the government delegation in Ceuta that a call was circulating in two Facebook groups with more than 180,000 followers to enter the city, coinciding with the Feast of the Throne. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated he was not aware of any report that might have foreseen the magnitude of the events on July 30. Ester Muñoz, spokeswoman for the Popular Party, stated that the government had the information and was directly responsible for the invasion of Ceuta.

How Sources Differ

NGO reports state that more than 140 people died during the mass crossing. Ceuta’s mayor reported that at least 100 people died during the crossing.

Why It Matters

The release of 40 declassified documents provides a detailed account of the intelligence available to Spanish authorities before more than 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta. The discrepancy between the national government's figure of approximately 5,000 remaining migrants and local officials' citation of up to 10,000 shows ongoing challenges in managing the aftermath of the crisis. Madrid has pledged $357 million in aid for the crisis in Ceuta, indicating the scale of resources required to address the situation.