A surge of an estimated 60,000 people toward Spain's border with Morocco, resulting in one of the largest migration events in years and over 80 deaths, was triggered by viral rumors spread across social media platforms. Instagram posts falsely suggesting the border was opening, coupled with TikTok videos detailing crossing routes and Facebook groups sharing coast guard patrol information, convinced thousands of Moroccans that Europe was within reach.
The influx of young people, many heading toward the Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa, overwhelmed authorities. Packed buses, trains, and taxis ferried individuals toward the border, particularly the neighboring Moroccan city of Fnideq. By the time authorities reacted, the migration surge had already begun.
Migrants reported seeing social media content that spurred their journeys. In the Moroccan city of Larache, three friends were convinced by an Instagram account, "Haraga Ceuta," to attempt the crossing. "Haraga" refers to migrants who destroy their identification papers to illegally enter Europe. For those aiming for Ceuta, common routes involved swimming around a border breakwater from Fnideq or departing from the nearby village of Belyounech.
One TikTok video provided specific route instructions for swimmers, while Facebook groups like "Fnideq Bab Sebta" featured users tracking vessel-tracking platforms to identify lulls in coast guard patrols. Some sought advice on using inflatable boats, and others advertised wetsuits for sale. "I saw online that the border was open, and I decided to go," said 17-year-old Omar Danbor from Fnideq.
It remains unclear who was behind the misleading social media posts, many of which were deleted shortly after the crossings. Several accounts contacted by the Associated Press did not respond.
Chaos erupted at the narrow concrete breakwater in Ceuta as migrants attempted to scramble onto land. Accounts from migrants described a dangerous crush of people pushing and climbing over one another on slick rocks. Several reported seeing individuals forced back into the water and submerged. Lahcen Kalouch, a Moroccan migrant, recounted stepping on the face of a deceased person while trying to climb ashore. Authorities reported at least 72 deaths on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side.
Many of the tens of thousands of migrants who reached Ceuta have since returned to Morocco, citing a lack of shelter, food, and water, or after being expelled.
Some migrants appear to have misinterpreted recent Spanish migration policies. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's regularization measures were intended for individuals already in Spain before January 1, primarily from Latin America who had overstayed visas. However, the belief that these policies offered a pathway to residency spread online among Moroccans. "Pedro Sánchez is a liar. He told us if we came, we would get jobs and papers, but they sent us back," said Adam Assil, a migrant from Casablanca, despite Sánchez not making such promises.
Migration activists noted that this episode differed from typical attempts to reach Ceuta due to the rapid snowballing of rumors online, which encouraged a simultaneous rush of people rather than smaller, dispersed groups.
Both Moroccan and Spanish authorities attributed the crisis to human smugglers and trafficking networks. However, many returning migrants rejected this explanation, asserting they acted of their own volition. "No one smuggled me there. I wanted to go of my own free will, but that country is not worth all this sacrifice," Kalouch stated.
Investigations into smuggling networks are ongoing, with Spain and Morocco having conducted joint operations against trafficking groups. A high-ranking Moroccan diplomat, speaking anonymously, suggested it would be reductive to expect Morocco to use force to stop the migrants, stating, "We are not Europe’s police."
Despite Morocco's economic growth and ambitions to be a regional hub, youth unemployment remains high, with 37% of those aged 15 to 24 out of work. This lack of stable employment is a key factor driving migration. Stories of relatives who migrated and returned with material gains often reinforce the dream of reaching Europe.
The 16-year-old from near Ceuta, who spoke anonymously fearing stigma, described being met with tear gas and batons. "I just wanted to provide for my mom," he said, having returned to Morocco distraught.