Thousands of Moroccan migrants surge into Spanish enclave Ceuta, sparking 'absolute chaos'

Published Jul 30, 06:33 PM UTC

On July 30, 2026, thousands of Moroccan migrants crossed into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta, overwhelming border police and causing what local officials described as 'absolute chaos.' Ceuta's regional leader Juan Jesús Vivas demanded Spain declare a national emergency and deploy additional police and army forces, but Spain's Interior Ministry declined. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated the government is mobilizing resources and working with Moroccan and international authorities. The surge sparked a right-wing backlash on social media, with videos going viral on X. Elon Musk called the influx 'absolutely an invasion,' while Spain's far-right Vox leader Santiago Abascal accused Sánchez of treason. The reason for the sudden surge remains unclear, though opposition politicians linked it to Sánchez's recent policy granting legal status to about 500,000 undocumented immigrants. Ceuta, a Spanish territory since the 16th century, is a frequent entry point for African migrants seeking to reach Europe.