Trump warns US could face Ceuta-style migrant surge

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could face a migrant crisis similar to the one unfolding in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta if Democrats return to power.

Speaking to Fox News, according to Fox News anchor and Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Trump reacted to images of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco.

"It's terrible. Remember that picture. That's going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in," Trump said, referring to Democrats winning future elections. "If the Democrats get in, you will not live a very good life."

Spoke with POTUS this morning - he reacted to the migrants overrunning Ceuta, Spain:

“It’s terrible. Remember that picture. That’s going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in,” he said, referring to Democrats winning elections.

“If the Democrats get in, you will…

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) July 31, 2026

The comments came as around 60,000 migrants have crossed from Morocco into Ceuta since July 30, according to local authorities. Officials said the death toll linked to the crossings has risen to 34.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as an "attack" and a "violation," saying the government is working to return all migrants who entered the territory illegally to Morocco "as soon as possible."

The surge follows a recent ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the Spanish enclave of Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.

Videos and photographs circulating on social media and in local media showed thousands of people swimming into Ceuta on July 30, with reports indicating that crossings continued overnight.

Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain, has long been a key entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. 

By Sabina Mammadli