Spain's PM blames Ceuta migrant influx on criminal networks manipulating recent court ruling

Migrants walk towards the border with Morocco to leave Spain, amid mass crossings of migrants on foot and by sea from Morocco into Spanish territory, in Ceuta, on July 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday (July 31, 2026) that the sudden influx of migrants to the north African enclave Ceuta was caused by a trafficking mafia spreading rumours about a recent court ruling on immigration.A Spanish Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that immediate returns of migrants crossing the border illegally did not apply to those arriving by sea."What has emerged from our talks with Moroccan authorities is that trafficking mafias took a self-serving interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling," he said. That interpretation "spread like wildfire in recent hours." Published - July 31, 2026 10:21 pm IST