Ceuta experiences mass migration and social unrest

On July 30 and 31, 2026, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta experienced a massive irregular migration event, with approximately 72,000 people crossing the border from Morocco. While many returned quickly, several thousand migrants remained in the city undergoing identification and reception procedures.

The situation has led to significant social tension and violence. Demonstrators recently set fire to a makeshift camp at Trampolín beach used by roughly 500 undocumented migrants. Additionally, protesters blocked a Red Cross convoy, attempting to prevent the delivery of food and humanitarian aid to migrants in an effort to shorten their stay in the city.

Amidst the unrest, former conservative President José María Aznar visited Ceuta to support the protests, drawing criticism from citizens defending the current administration. Security forces, including the National Police and military, have been deployed to manage the crisis. Minister of Security Ángel Víctor Torres condemned the acts of violence and expressed a clear rejection of the aggression.