Spanish PM blames smuggling gangs for mass migrant surge into Ceuta

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused organised people-smuggling networks of exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling to encourage a mass influx of migrants into the North African enclave of Ceuta, as Spain grapples with its worst migration crisis in years.

Speaking on July 31, Sánchez said "mafia groups involved in human trafficking" had taken advantage of the court's decision on the treatment of irregular migrants intercepted at sea, misleading "many young people" into attempting the dangerous crossing, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, the crisis may be linked to a recent Supreme Court ruling that found Spain's immigration law does not allow the immediate expulsion of migrants intercepted at sea. Instead, such cases must follow the standard administrative process. The ruling was widely circulated on Moroccan social media, reportedly fuelling hopes among prospective migrants.

Spanish media estimate that up to 60,000 migrants have reached Ceuta by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating the Spanish enclave from neighbouring Morocco.

The surge has come at a high human cost. At least 34 people have died while attempting to reach the city.

In response, the Spanish government has deployed troops to reinforce security in Ceuta. Sánchez described the mass crossings as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity and pledged that the authorities would restore control over the enclave's borders.