**Title: Spain’s PM Denies Evidence of Moroccan Orchestration in Ceuta Border Incident**
**Date: September 3, 2026**
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has stated that the government has found no evidence to support claims that Morocco orchestrated a massive surge of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July. Speaking in parliament on September 3, Sanchez addressed a police report that suggested the influx of approximately 70,000 individuals was a planned effort to overwhelm Spain's border controls.
In his remarks, Sanchez emphasized that no credible sources, including diplomatic channels or international bodies, had provided solid evidence implicating Morocco in the incident. "I can assure you that no institution – not the diplomatic service nor the European Commission nor any international body – has provided the Spanish government with any solid evidence that Morocco planned or carried out the incident. None whatsoever," he stated.
The significant border crossing occurred on July 30, when around 72,000 people entered Ceuta, a Spanish territory with a population of 84,000, located on the northern coast of Africa and bordering Morocco. The police report, commissioned by a High Court judge, indicated that Moroccan security forces were present in smaller numbers than usual and did not actively attempt to disperse the crowds during the peak of the crossing.
Sanchez acknowledged that Moroccan police allowed the crossings to take place during a 10-hour window but did not clarify whether this was due to a lack of action or an inability to manage the situation effectively. The Prime Minister has previously defended Morocco's role during the crisis, noting that Rabat cooperated with Spanish authorities to return most of the migrants within 48 hours of their arrival.
Despite this cooperation, approximately 5,000 migrants, including 1,200 children, remain in Ceuta weeks after the incident, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing the migrant situation in the enclave.
The crisis has sparked significant public outcry in Spain, with thousands rallying across the country to protest the government's handling of the situation. Demonstrators voiced their frustrations with chants such as "Expel the invaders" and "Ceuta is not for sale. Ceuta must be defended," reflecting deep-seated concerns over immigration policies and border security.
The events surrounding the Ceuta border incident have raised questions about the effectiveness of Spain's migration management and the relationship between Spain and Morocco, particularly in light of the recent surge in crossings. As the situation continues to evolve, the Spanish government faces mounting pressure to address both the humanitarian aspects of the crisis and the political ramifications of public discontent.
The ongoing developments in Ceuta will likely remain a focal point in Spanish politics, as the government grapples with both domestic and international implications of the migration situation.