Social media rumors trigger mass migration attempt to Spanish enclave of Ceuta
Online posts claiming the Spain-Morocco border was open prompted thousands of Moroccans to travel to Ceuta, resulting in dozens of deaths and a rapid return of most migrants.
Thousands of Moroccans traveled to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after Instagram, TikTok and Facebook posts suggested the border with Spain was open. Within days, an estimated 72,000 people arrived, creating the largest recent surge of migration between Morocco and Spain. Authorities reported more than 80 deaths, including at least 72 on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side, as migrants attempted a three-mile swim around the breakwater and crowded the narrow landing area.
A 17-year-old from Fnideq said he saw online that the border was open and decided to go. The posts, shared by accounts such as “Haraga Ceuta,” provided route maps and tips on coast-guard patrol timings, though the creators of the content have not been identified. Moroccan interior officials blamed the spread of misinformation on digital platforms, while Spanish officials said they had not received prior warnings of the surge.
The European Union’s migration commissioner expressed concern about the role of online disinformation, and both Spain and Morocco have opened investigations into possible smuggling networks. However, many migrants interviewed said they acted on their own, citing misunderstandings of recent Spanish immigration policies that were intended for residents already in Spain.
Experts noted that the episode differed from typical crossings because the rumors prompted a coordinated, large-scale movement rather than isolated attempts. The incident highlighted ongoing economic challenges in Morocco, where youth unemployment remains high despite overall economic growth, fueling aspirations to seek work in Europe.