“It’s the human traffickers’ fault”: Spanish Prime Minister points the finger at criminal gangs

©Nikita Sinyaev via Unsplash

Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez Blames Human Smugglers Following the Sudden Arrival of 60,000 Migrants in Ceuta.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has blamed human trafficking networks for the large-scale influx of an estimated 60,000 migrants into the North African exclave of Ceuta. According to Sánchez, criminal gangs have deliberately misinterpreted a recent ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court and, via social media, “like wildfire," making false promises about easy access to Europe. “This is a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity,” he said during a visit to Ceuta.

57 people did not make it

At least 57 people died during the chaotic crossing, local media reported. Many migrants swam across the sea or walked along the breakwater to Ceuta, where border controls appeared to have temporarily collapsed. Residents described streets filled with thousands of people, searching for food and shelter. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” a witness told the BBC. Stores closed for fear of looting; residents stayed indoors.

By Friday evening, more than 48,000 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. A man who returned warned on Reuters: “People are dying here. Don’t come, don’t do it.” About 7,000 of the new arrivals are believed to be minors. Spain has deployed the military to maintain order in Ceuta and neighboring Melilla.

The crisis led to diplomatic tensions. Italy suspended Schengen travel with Spain for one month, a measure that primarily affects air and sea travel. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the images “shocking” and spoke of a security risk for Europe. The Spanish foreign minister called the Italian reaction “unacceptable” and “partisan demagoguery.” EU officials emphasized that no one can travel from Ceuta to the mainland without being screened.

Sánchez announced plans to strengthen the border and praised the cooperation with Morocco on returns. The crisis underscores the vulnerability of Ceuta and Melilla—the EU’s only land borders with Africa—and the political pressure that migration exerts on Europe.

©Nikita Sinyaev via Unsplash - illustrative image