An active online campaign is mobilizing people for a potential migrant crossing into Ceuta, Spain, on 15 August. Social media groups involved in the campaign have memberships ranging from approximately 400,000 to just over 422,000 people.
The Spanish government decided to deploy armed forces to the region to ensure security.
Irregular migrants who attempted to swim to Ceuta from the coasts of Castillejos, Morocco, before being intervened.
Security findings and disinformation
A six-page report produced by the Spanish Civil Guard examined the possibility of another mass migrant crossing into Ceuta on 15 August. The report identified recurring patterns in the online activity, including repeated references to 15 August, specific geographical locations, and discussions on organizing the crossing. The Spanish Civil Guard concluded there appears to be 'some degree of digital facilitation' behind the online movement. However, the report found no evidence linking the campaign to the Moroccan government, Moroccan security services, or any specific migrant-smuggling network.
Misinformation is circulating online regarding the crossing, including claims that the border would be opened, that migrants would receive asylum or financial assistance, or that anyone reaching Ceuta could not legally be returned.
European monitoring and digital response
The European Commission is closely monitoring social media ahead of 15 August. The Commission reported detecting Russian-linked channels that began rapidly amplifying the migration issue from 30 July onwards. The European Union can use legislation such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) to tackle online disinformation, though Spain has not activated the DSA crisis mechanism.
We remain fully vigilant before, during, and after 15 August.
