Two weeks after the massive wave of migrants, the Spanish and Moroccan authorities are intensifying their presence at the border. Those who remained hid from the police, sleep in the street and live in fear of violence. “I have no future in Morocco,” says a 20-year-old.

(Staff: Spain & Morocco / Migration & Society)

At the end of July 2026, approximately 80,000 people They crossed the border between Morocco and Ceuta, the Spanish enclave of northern Africa. The massive wave was triggered by a combination of factors: extreme poverty and lack of prospects in Morocco, a rumor related to a judgment of the Spanish Supreme Court, and diplomatic tensions between Rabat and Madrid.

Who are the ones that stayed?

Although most were returned to Morocco in the first 48 hours, between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants I’m still in Ceuta. They live in extremely difficult conditions. The accommodation centers are overcrowded, and many sleep in the streets, in hidden corners. A 20-year-old Amine explained to VRT NWS how she tries to survive: “I’m hiding, that’s all I can do. Because they’re looking for us”. .

The dangerous journey

Amine swam a few kilometers to Ceuta, on the same day the news spread that the border would be open. He tells that he met a Moroccan who lives in Ceuta, who gave him clothes and slippers, because he lost his shoes while swimming. Since then, he sometimes slept on the roof of his apartment and charged his phone with another Moroccan woman.

Dangers and Violence

Amine says he isolates himself so as not to attract the attention of the police, who patrol the night. He also avoids wooded or hilly areas, because according to him, the authorities would drive them away with violence. He also warns that girls and minors are extremely vulnerable, with accounts of sexual abuse committed during or after crossing.

Disinformation and propaganda

In recent weeks, images from Ceuta have become an informational battlefield. A video recording of a Belgian film crew (VRT NWS) has been featured online as proof that journalists have been setting up a scene with a Moroccan minor to manipulate public opinion. In reality, the journalists made a report about the situation of unaccompanied minors. This case is an example of how disinformation and propaganda are used to manipulate public discourse in migration crises.

The reaction of the authorities

Spain reacted firmly, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declaring that the assault on Ceuta is a “violation of the territorial integrity” of Spain. Measures have been taken to strengthen border security. Moroccan authorities also announced that they had arrested nearly 300 people trying to reach Ceuta and more than 60 people accused of encouraging illegal migration through social networks.

Conclusion

The Ceuta crisis brings to light a complex reality, where poverty and hopelessness clash with the strict border policy of the European Union. Amine’s story is just one of the thousands of people’s stories that risk everything for a better life. At the same time, the wave of disinformation surrounding this crisis shows how easily the narratives of migration in the digital age can be manipulated.