In late July, tens of thousands of migrants surged into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast, in one of the most significant recent migration events in the region. The influx was largely influenced by misinformation circulating on social media platforms, which created widespread but inaccurate expectations about Spain’s immigration policies.

The incident was preceded by a viral video showing two young women walking in Ceuta wearing wet suits, implying they had recently swum across the border from Morocco. Posted by a local newspaper, the footage was shared extensively, garnering more than 32 million views. While the original intent of the posts was to highlight strain on local resources, the video was perceived very differently in Morocco and elsewhere. Cropped and recirculated on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the footage seemed to encourage migration by suggesting recently issued Spanish Supreme Court rulings allowed migrants arriving by sea to remain in the country without immediate expulsion.

The court ruling in question, issued in June and publicized in early July, clarified that migrants who crossed physical barriers—such as fences—could be immediately expelled. However, those entering via open water might be granted a judicial review. This nuance was lost in online discussions, where the ruling was distorted into claims that the border was effectively open, fueling hope and motivating migration attempts.

Social media played a critical role in amplifying this misinformation. Multiple accounts, including at least 215 Facebook pages on July 30 alone, posted the same false narrative that crossing into Spanish enclaves like Ceuta or Melilla by swimming would guarantee migrants would not be expelled. Experts suggest this coordination indicates an organized disinformation campaign, although some of the leading accounts, including a prominent figure from Morocco's Inter-ministerial Delegation for Human Rights, did not respond to inquiries.

The online frenzy exploited the desperation of many Moroccans and other Africans seeking better economic opportunities in Europe. Additionally, groups linked to human smuggling networks used social media to offer assistance, advice, and logistical support for those attempting the perilous crossing. These groups, often operating under names referencing the Arabic term “harraga” (meaning illegal border crossers), facilitated travel plans and even sold equipment such as wetsuits and fins.

Despite authorities on both sides of the border being aware of increasing online activity, it remains unclear whether Spanish or Moroccan officials, or the social media companies themselves, took sufficient action before the mass migration attempt on July 30. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior later acknowledged that human trafficking networks had taken advantage of the court ruling to encourage the flow of undocumented migrants, primarily young people.

The mass crossing resulted in at least 90 deaths, mostly by drowning, as many migrants faced dangerous conditions during the swim. After the surge, most who arrived were returned to Morocco, although some remained in Ceuta, aiming to continue their journey toward mainland Europe. Migrants like Achraf Ben Ahmed, who swam nearly eight miles to Ceuta, expressed a continued desire to reach Europe despite previous failed attempts.

The event has sparked debate about the role of misinformation and the responsibilities of governments and social media platforms in managing content that can incite real-world crises. Analysts have criticized both states and companies like Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for inadequate monitoring and response. Meta has stated it removed content violating its policies and set up a team to monitor the unfolding crisis, but some problematic accounts remained active in the wake of the event, being used to share information about missing people.

The Ceuta migration surge highlights the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping migration dynamics and the urgent challenges posed by the spread of misinformation in high-stakes humanitarian situations.