A video posted on Facebook depicting a group of jubilant Moroccans celebrating their illegal crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta served as a primary catalyst for the mass migrant invasion that followed, according to Dr. Myriam Cherti, a senior researcher at Oxford University's Centre on Migration, Policy and Society.
Cherti told the Daily Mail that the video, shared days before an estimated 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, functioned as a "showcase for your peers." The footage shows grinning men making peace signs and raising their thumbs, with some holding what are believed to be temporary identification or registration papers. The video was captioned "stay safe" with hashtags for Ceuta, and featured text overlays such as "thank you Spain" and "safe arrival to you."
On the eve of the surge, another video emerged on TikTok showing a building in the Moroccan city of Tetouan that appeared to be selling swimwear, with one room filled with wetsuits and flippers. These videos were disseminated shortly before a massive influx of North African migrants overwhelmed the Spanish enclave, a territory of seven square miles with a population of 84,000.
The migrants were observed swimming from the Moroccan coast and then storming into Ceuta. This event has drawn international condemnation and sparked contention, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticizing EU partners for a perceived lack of solidarity. Sanchez expressed "serious concerns" in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the responses of certain European governments.
Italy temporarily suspended Spain's participation in the EU's border-free Schengen agreement, a move supported by Finland and Denmark, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing the scenes as "shocking."
As the influx continued, Spanish military units were deployed, and border hills were overrun with people attempting to enter the city. By Saturday, officials reported that approximately 48,000 individuals who had illegally entered Ceuta had voluntarily returned to Morocco. Reports indicate that at least 67 people died during the crossing attempts this week, succumbing to drowning or injuries sustained at the border fence.
This incident marked the second significant influx of migrants, following an organized arrival of about 4,000 in September 2024. Cherti noted that the movement was driven by aspirations for a better life and improved job security.
Cherti elaborated on how videos celebrating successful illegal crossings into Ceuta inspired others to make the perilous journey. The route between Fnideq and Ceuta has been extensively documented on social media, including animations detailing the path and swim distance. Moroccans from various regions of the country reportedly used overwhelmed public transport to travel to Tetouan and the neighboring town of Fnideq, en route to Ceuta.
"The posts started over the weekend. The first post was on Saturday, where there was a group of young Moroccans who have made it to Ceuta and were sharing the news they made it safely," Cherti stated. "It was a group of 20 or 30, so it is a kind of showcase for your peers."
Cherti observed a progression of these videos across different platforms, promoting illegal migration after the initial video gained traction. Posts, she noted, included phrases like "El Ghorva is calling," referencing becoming a foreigner. She predicted potential recurrences, stating, "You are talking about a population who is already frustrated economically and don't have many opportunities, they would seize that."
The flood of migrants was reportedly emboldened by a Supreme Court decision in July, which stipulated that migrants arriving by sea could not be immediately deported without due process. Spanish police unions described this as a "pull factor" encouraging migrants to rush through, a process distinct from land crossings.
The land route between Morocco and Ceuta and Melilla, once accessible for trade, was closed during the pandemic and has remained permanently shut. This closure led to job losses, according to Cherti, and has driven a persistent desire among Moroccans to cross the border illegally.
"Before the pandemic, people were able to trade and go there for the day and come back," Cherti said. "These mass crossings started happening after the firm closure of borders and not allowing the local population to trade. Many people I've interviewed have lost count of how many times they've tried to make it. They get picked up and returned, it becomes a personal challenge. Closing the border isn't necessarily going to stop them."
While some videos on social media have cautioned against crossing due to difficulties experienced in Ceuta, the demographic of those attempting to migrate from Morocco has shifted. Previously dominated by young adults aged 18 to 29, it now includes entire families, individuals with disabilities, and solo women. Cherti indicated that this trend has strained Moroccan border police resources, with officers having to assist with rescues.
Morocco faces high youth unemployment, approximately 11 percent, which is double the rate in the UK. This economic frustration, combined with reported "success stories" of reaching Spain and other European countries, fuels the motivation for individuals to undertake dangerous illegal crossings.