The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, blamed Morocco's border controls for a recent humanitarian crisis in the northern African enclave of Ceuta, where dozens of migrants died during a large influx on July 30 and 31, 2026. During an interview with CNN on September 22, Sánchez stated that Spain is investigating the events but has also called on Morocco to "act" and provide answers, citing a failure in Moroccan border security. This crisis involved more than 70,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, either by swimming or walking, in what was described as an unprecedented mass migration event. While most of these individuals returned to Morocco in the days that followed, several thousand remained in Ceuta, leading to ongoing tensions, violence, and protests by the local population. Sánchez emphasized that Spain has no evidence suggesting Morocco intentionally orchestrated the migration wave. However, he stated that Madrid must demand "explanations and changes" from Moroccan authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. This call for action comes after a Spanish police report revealed that Moroccan border police were significantly undermanned during the crisis. According to the report, the number of Moroccan officers near the border was "clearly lower than normal," and they made "no serious effort" to stop the influx of migrants. This assessment was based on satellite images, publicly available videos, and testimonies from migrants who crossed the border. In the aftermath of the crisis, the Spanish government has been working to identify the thousands of migrants still in Ceuta to determine if they are eligible for asylum. Under international law, unaccompanied minors cannot be expelled immediately and must be given a thorough review of their cases. This process has added to the complexity of the situation, as local authorities manage both the humanitarian needs of the migrants and the concerns of the residents of Ceuta, who have experienced increased tensions and disruptions in their daily lives. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing migration flows between Spain and Morocco, two countries that share a complex and often contentious relationship over border security and migration management. While Spain seeks accountability and improved cooperation from Morocco, the crisis underscores the need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals involved.