Pedro Sanchez Denies Warnings as 72K Migrants Flood Ceuta, Sparking Protest

Sun Sep 06 2026 00:57:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spanish PM says no prior warning about mass migrant influx into Ceuta, while protests surge across the country.

In a tense parliamentary session, Pedro Sanchez flatly denied that the government had foreseen the surge of 72,000 migrants crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. He also insisted there is no evidence Morocco orchestrated the crossings, despite police reports pointing to permissive Moroccan security forces. The crisis has ignited massive street protests in Madrid and other cities, reflecting public anger at the administration's handling and concern for the 5,000 people still stranded in Ceuta. International partners, notably Italy, have responded with tighter border controls, adding pressure on Spain to find a lasting solution.

Pedro Sanchez maintains there was no warning about the huge influx of migrants into Ceuta, asserting the government did not foresee or support the movement of 72,000 people from Morocco.

Sanchez addressed Spain's parliament, pushing back on claims that Moroccan security forces facilitated the crossings. He cited a police report that described Moroccan gendarmes as permissive but not actively orchestrating the flow, insisting no concrete evidence links Morocco to a planned operation.

The crisis has sparked spontaneous protests in cities across Spain, including Madrid, where tens of thousands marched to demand accountability and support for Ceuta's residents.

Critics, such as opposition leader Feijóo, accuse the administration of hiding the truth and have called for Sanchez’s resignation. European neighbors, notably Italy, have tightened border controls due to Spain’s perceived failure to manage the influx.

Sanchez also highlighted the cooperation with Moroccan authorities during the rapid return of over 90% of migrants in the first 72 hours, framing the situation as both a humanitarian and administrative challenge.