New reports reveal the Spanish government received specific intelligence warnings regarding a major migrant surge in Ceuta days before the crisis began. Military and civilian intelligence sources indicated that authorities were aware of the risk as events unfolded over a ten-day period.
Reports suggest that officials observed migrants swimming into the enclave and noted bus movements toward the border. Despite these warnings, intelligence sources claim the government failed to deploy the military or additional police resources until the situation had already escalated into the largest migration crisis in the city's history. Between 60,000 and 75,000 people ultimately crossed the border.
While the Interior Ministry maintains that cooperation with Morocco remains stable, critics point to the delay in mobilization. Military units in Ceuta and Melilla were on standby, yet orders to act were not issued until Thursday, long after the initial warning signs were flagged. Border forces were reportedly overwhelmed, focusing primarily on humanitarian aid while others climbed fences and entered the area.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has characterized the event as a violation of territorial integrity, blaming people-smuggling networks for exploiting local judicial rulings. However, the disconnect between the intelligence received and the government's operational response remains a central point of contention as the region attempts to regain stability.