Tens of Thousands Rally Across Spain Against Government Handling of Ceuta Migrant Crisis

On September 2, 2026, coinciding with Ceuta Day, large-scale protests erupted across Spain, with major demonstrations in Madrid drawing an estimated 50,000 people according to government figures and up to 150,000 per local authorities. Protesters, waving Spanish flags and chanting slogans such as 'Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta must be defended,' 'Sánchez to prison,' and 'Invaders, go home,' criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist government for its response to a massive migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in late July 2026.

The crisis began on July 30-31 when an estimated 72,000 people, many military-age men, crossed into Ceuta, overwhelming the territory's roughly 84,000 residents. Most returned to Morocco shortly after, but several thousand remained, leading to makeshift camps, resource strain, and local unrest. At least 90-111 deaths were reported in the crossings. Opposition leaders from the PP (Alberto Núñez Feijóo) and Vox (Santiago Abascal) participated, accusing the government of inadequate border enforcement, dereliction of duty, and possible complicity or appeasement toward Morocco. Sánchez has denied any evidence of Moroccan orchestration.

Similar rallies occurred in Ceuta itself, Barcelona, Bilbao, and other cities, organized in part by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. The events highlight deepening political polarization, with right-wing parties capitalizing on public frustration over migration policy. This backlash aligns with broader European trends of populist gains amid immigration concerns, as noted by analysts anticipating shifts in upcoming elections. Italy's border measures with Spain underscore the crisis's ripple effects. Counter-protests by left-wing groups condemned perceived racism. Police dispersed some groups in Madrid using tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to arrests.