Moroccan Interior Ministry: Ceuta Migration Events “Not Spontaneous,” Driven by Misinformation and Legal Misinterpretations

The Moroccan Ministry of the Interior stated on Sunday that the irregular migration incidents at border crossing points leading to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla were not spontaneous, but rather resulted from the convergence of multiple factors.

Official Explanation of Contributing Factors

In its first official comment on the events, the ministry’s spokesperson identified three principal elements: the exploitation of digital spaces to disseminate misleading information; the operational activity of human trafficking networks; and erroneous interpretations of certain legal and administrative provisions that falsely suggested easy, consequence-free entry into European territory.

Preventive Security Measures Deployed

The spokesperson confirmed that Moroccan authorities adopted a proactive approach from the earliest stages, including reinforcing security readiness, elevating alert levels, and intensifying land and maritime surveillance. These measures, the ministry said, contributed to containing the situation, protecting lives, preserving public order, and securing borders in accordance with the law.

Verified Figures on Irregular Crossing Attempts

According to official data cited by the ministry, approximately 40,000 individuals attempted irregular crossings toward Ceuta, while 1,135 attempted the same toward Melilla. All individuals who reached Melilla were returned immediately. The ministry emphasized that these figures derive from field monitoring and tracking systems and constitute the official reference, rejecting other circulating numbers as lacking reliable factual basis.

Impact of Recent Spanish Judicial Rulings

The spokesperson noted that recent Spanish judicial decisions restricting the immediate return of certain migrants intercepted at sea formed part of the contributing factors. Widespread dissemination of misleading interpretations of those rulings led some would-be migrants to believe they could avoid repatriation—encouraging a new pattern of attempts involving swimming across the Strait.

Confirmed Fatalities and Ongoing Verification

The ministry reported 11 deaths linked to migration attempts toward Ceuta: one accidental fatality resulting from a fall from a rocky area near Ceuta, and ten drowning cases. It attributed these tragedies partly to the short distance between coasts and shallow waters in certain zones, which created a false impression of crossing ease among some migrants. Moroccan authorities, coordinating with their Spanish counterparts, continue verifying reports of additional fatalities in Ceuta, as well as confirming the identities and nationalities of those involved, to complete required legal and humanitarian procedures.

Voluntary Return Mechanism and Legal Investigations

The ministry confirmed that border crossings were opened for individuals wishing to return voluntarily, as part of cooperation with Spain—a step it said helped restore normal conditions gradually. It further stated that the Public Prosecution has launched investigations into all incidents connected to the events, with the aim of determining responsibilities and implementing necessary legal actions.