At least 96 people died during a migrant rush from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 29 and 30. According to Spanish government estimates, over 72,000 people managed to enter the city. The Spanish government blamed this deadly surge on misinformation.
In the weeks leading up to the event, border workers had warned Spain's central government that more people were arriving by sea, spurred on by social media, and feared an escalation. The surge sparked tensions within the EU and fueled anti-immigration rhetoric among far-right parties worldwide.
Two weeks later, new social media posts calling for another mass crossing prompted migrants to gather near the border again. These false posts claimed the Morocco-Ceuta border would open for Spain’s Assumption holiday.
In response, Moroccan and Spanish authorities have tightened security. Morocco is stepping up security checks by monitoring social media and increasing patrols, while stating that those spreading false claims could face legal action.