Spain Declassifies Intelligence Alerts Ahead of Ceuta Migrant Surge, EU Announces Funding
Spain released documents showing its intelligence agency warned of possible mass entries before more than 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, and the EU pledged €115 million for border security and migrant return operations.
Spain's National Intelligence Center issued an alert on July 29 warning of potential mass entries by migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a day before over 70,000 people breached the border fences, according to documents declassified on Wednesday. The released material includes internal alerts, intelligence reports and communications from several law-enforcement and intelligence bodies. One memo noted "several calls to carry out entries into Ceuta" and referenced two social-media groups with a combined following of about 180,000 members. The border division of the National Police (CENIF) also reported detecting communications among migrant groups planning coordinated entries for the night of July 29.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the disclosures show his government was not forewarned about the scale of the crisis, noting that the intelligence alert was sent only to Ceuta authorities and not to the military or defence ministry. "With the information available at the time, no one could have foreseen the migration crisis that unfolded on the 30th and 31st," Sánchez said on social media.
The European Union announced an emergency package of €115 million to help Spain strengthen external border surveillance and infrastructure, and to support the return of migrants who remain in Ceuta. The funding will finance thermal cameras, floating buoy systems, underwater drones and facilities for migrant screening, according to the European Commission. Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said the aid reflects the EU's commitment to combating illegal migration and ensuring swift returns.
During the July 30-31 incident, more than 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, with many deaths reported, primarily by drowning. While most individuals have been returned, thousands, including unaccompanied minors, remain in the enclave. The event has heightened tensions among EU member states, and Spain's top criminal court has opened an investigation into possible facilitation by African authorities.