---
title: "Spain Investigates Ceuta Migrant Influx, Sánchez Cites Disinformation"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-08-31T09:05:12.057Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-31T08:48:22.200Z"
updated: "2026-08-31T09:05:12.057Z"
trust_score: 30
critic_score: 50
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-31T09:00:34.285631+00:00"
---

# Spain Investigates Ceuta Migrant Influx, Sánchez Cites Disinformation

*Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez states Russia and Israel spread false information regarding the crisis.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 30 of 100, higher is better. The central claim rests on anonymous sourcing and no independent outlets corroborated the reporting.
- Craft 50 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is largely digests, with one full report, and lacks quotes from affected parties.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise clear blame, but the article details an ongoing investigation and multiple potential factors.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Spain is investigating the causes of a large migrant influx into the enclave of Ceuta.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Russia and Israel spread disinformation about the crisis.
- Around 5,000 migrants, many unaccompanied minors, remain in Ceuta.
- Morocco has been exempted from responsibility for the event.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government continues to investigate the causes of a significant migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The event, which occurred in late July, saw approximately 70,000 migrants cross from Morocco into Ceuta over two days. While the majority have since returned to Morocco, around 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, many of whom are unaccompanied minors.

Sánchez stated that Russia and Israel were involved in spreading disinformation regarding the migrant surge. He specifically mentioned that false information suggested it was impossible to refuse migrants entry into the autonomous city, which he refuted. The Prime Minister also exempted Morocco from any responsibility for the crisis, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

## Disagreement on the number of migrants

Reports differ on the total number of migrants who crossed into Ceuta. Merco Press states around 72,000 people entered from Morocco over two days. 20minutos reports the entry of 80,000 people. Other reports mention approximately 70,000 migrants.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports mention the specific figure of 70,000 migrants crossing into Ceuta over two days, as stated in the verified claims. The Merco Press report, rated left, is the only one to provide a figure for the total number of people who entered, stating 'around 72,000 people'.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 16 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 6% (1)
- Centre: 50% (8)
- Right: 44% (7)

28 of 44 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-31T09:00:34.285631+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-31T09:15:19.075Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated report from Merco Press focused on the humanitarian crisis and the role of migrant workers in Europe's food supply chains. It highlighted that anti-migrant rhetoric from right-wing politicians, including Spain's Vox party and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, inflames racism and xenophobia. The report argued that harsh migratory policies harm national economies and productivity, and that migrants are essential to Spain's agricultural industry, which is worth an annual 43.9 billion Euros. It also noted that one out of every four fresh fruits consumed in Europe is produced in Spain, a statistic made possible by migrant farmworkers.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's statements regarding the investigation and his accusations against Russia and Israel. Multiple reports highlighted Sánchez's claim that these countries spread disinformation about the migrant influx. Several also noted that Spain continues to investigate the causes of the crisis and that Morocco has been exempted from responsibility. Some reports mentioned the presence of unaccompanied minors among the remaining migrants.

### Right

- Right-rated reports also centred on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's accusations that Russia and Israel exploited the Ceuta crisis by spreading disinformation. Headlines in these reports frequently stated it was 'obvious' that these countries were involved. Some reports noted that the Spanish government is continuing its investigation into the causes of the migrant influx, while others focused on Sánchez's dismissal of Morocco's participation.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 3
- high: 9
- unknown: 30
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Merco Press](https://en.mercopress.com/2026/08/31/ceuta-s-anti-migrant-invasion-rhetoric-threatens-europe-s-food-supply-and-economy) — Ceuta’s anti migrant ‘invasion’ rhetoric threatens Europe’s food supply and economy
- [RTÉ](https://rte.ie/news/world/2026/0831/1589778-spain-ceuta-morocco) — Spain rules out Morocco role in Ceuta migrant surge
- [VG](https://vg.no/rampelys/i/2pJLxr/spanias-statsminister-russland-og-israel-spreder-desinformasjon) — Spanish Prime Minister: Russia and Israel Are Spreading Disinformation
- [IOL Portugal](https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/espanha/migrantes/pedro-sanchez-culpa-russia-israel-e-movimento-de-extrema-direita-pela-crise-migratoria-em-ceuta/20260831/6a953841d34ed0733ba829b1) — Pedro Sánchez Blames Russia and Israel for the Migration Crisis in Ceuta
- [Observador](https://observador.pt/2026/08/31/pedro-sanchez-culpa-redes-de-desinformacao-russas-e-israelitas-por-crise-em-ceuta-e-admite-recandidatura-em-2027) — Pedro Sánchez Blames Russian and Israeli Misinformation Networks for the Crisis in Ceuta and Admits a Rendition in 2027
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1327384/theoyta-h-madriti-sinekhizei-tin-erefna-ghia-ta-aitia-tis-sirrois-metanastwn) — Ceuta: Madrid "Continues Investigation" Into the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [France24](https://france24.com/fr/europe/20260831-ceuta-espagne-pedro-sanchez-d%C3%A9clare-russie-isra%C3%ABl-ont-aliment%C3%A9-d%C3%A9sinformation-immigration) — Ceuta: Pedro Sanchez Declares that Russia and Israel Have Fueled Disinformation
- [berlingske.dk](https://berlingske.dk/internationalt/spaniens-sanchez-indlysende-at-israel-og-rusland-udnyttede-ceuta-krise) — Spain's Sanchez: It's Clear that Israel and Russia Exploited Ceuta Crisis
- [BT](https://bt.dk/udland/spaniens-sanchez-indlysende-at-israel-og-rusland-udnyttede-ceuta-krise) — Spain's Sanchez: It's Clear that Israel and Russia Exploited Ceuta Crisis
- [Ekstra Bladet](https://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/Udland/pedro-sanchez-indlysende-at-israel-og-rusland-udnyttede-ceuta-krise/11273566) — Pedro Sanchez: Obvious that Israel and Russia Exploited Ceuta Crisis
- [www.dnevnik.bg](https://dnevnik.bg/burzi-novini/2026/08/31/4951020_ispaniia_tvurdi_che_rusiia_i_izrael_sa_podmamili/?ref=rss) — Spain Claims Russia and Israel Lured Migrants to Ceuta
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/550058/synexizetai-i-erevna-gia-ta-aitia-tis-syrrois-metanaston-sti-theouta-leei-o-santseth) — Sanchez Says Investigation Into Causes of Migrant Influx in Ceuta Continues
- [ESdiario](https://esdiario.com/chismografo/medios/260831/196510/herrera-pone-foco-ceuta-mes-despues-manana-le-vuelve-cruzar-cable-alguien-marruecos-forma-evitarla.html) — Herrera Puts the Spotlight on Ceuta a Month Later: "If Someone in Morocco Gets the Cable Crossed Again Tomorrow, Do We Have a Way to Avoid It?"
- [naiz:](https://naiz.eus/es/info/noticia/20260831/sanchez-exculpa-a-marruecos-en-ceuta-y-senala-a-bulos-desde-israel-y-rusia) — Sánchez Exonerates Morocco in Ceuta and Points to “Bulles” From Israel and Russia
- [ed.nl](https://ed.nl/buitenland/spaanse-premier-sanchez-onderzoek-van-de-eu-suggereert-dat-desinformatie-over-de-crisis-in-ceuta-is-verspreid-door-rusland-en-israel~ac0c7847) — Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez: ‘EU Investigation Suggests that Disinformation About the Crisis in Ceuta Was Spread by Russia and Israel’
- [bndestem.nl](https://bndestem.nl/buitenland/spaanse-premier-sanchez-onderzoek-van-de-eu-suggereert-dat-desinformatie-over-de-crisis-in-ceuta-is-verspreid-door-rusland-en-israel~ac0c7847) — Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez: ‘EU Investigation Suggests that Disinformation About the Crisis in Ceuta Was Spread by Russia and Israel’
- [El Faro de Ceuta](https://elfarodeceuta.es/sanchez-apunta-redes-rusas-israelies-difusoras-bulos-alentaron-entrada-masiva-ceuta) — Sánchez Points to Russian and Israeli Networks as Diffusers of Bulls that Encouraged Massive Entry Into Ceuta
- [avisendanmark.dk](https://avisendanmark.dk/udland/spaniens-sanchez-indlysende-at-israel-og-rusland-udnyttede-ceuta-krise) — Spain's Sanchez: It's Clear that Israel and Russia Exploited Ceuta Crisis
- [bienpublic.com](https://bienpublic.com/societe/2026/08/31/ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-de-l-afflux-de-migrants) — Immigration. Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [republicain-lorrain.fr](https://republicain-lorrain.fr/societe/2026/08/31/ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-de-l-afflux-de-migrants) — Immigration. Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [leprogres.fr](https://leprogres.fr/societe/2026/08/31/ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-de-l-afflux-de-migrants) — Immigration. Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [vosgesmatin.fr](https://vosgesmatin.fr/societe/2026/08/31/ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-de-l-afflux-de-migrants) — Immigration. Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [lejsl.com](https://lejsl.com/societe/2026/08/31/ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-de-l-afflux-de-migrants) — Immigration. Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes of the Influx of Migrants
- [Kristeligt Dagblad](https://kristeligt-dagblad.dk/udland/spaniens-sanchez-indlysende-israel-og-rusland-udnyttede-ceuta-krise) — Spain's Sanchez: It's Clear that Israel and Russia Exploited Ceuta Crisis
- [Unknown](https://srugim.co.il/101009903-%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%94%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%95-%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%93%D7%A2-%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%96%D7%91-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%91%D7%A8) — "Israel and Russia Spread False Information About the Migrant Crisis"
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/politiki/422778/santseth-i-madriti-synehizei-tin-ereyna-gia-ta-aitia-tis-syrrois-metanaston) — Sanchez: "The Investigation Into the Influx of Migrants in Ceuta Continues"
- [gazzettadelsud.it](https://gazzettadelsud.it/articoli/mondo/2026/08/31/sanchez-reti-russe-e-israeliane-hanno-diffuso-false-notizie-su-ceuta-66be2a8a-82bd-4c59-a761-cf0ea5b024fe) — Sanchez, "Russian and Israeli Networks Have Spread False News About Ceuta"
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/08/31/pseydeis-plirofories-tis-akras-dexias-gia-tin-krisi-sti-theoyta-kataggellei-o-santseth) — Sanchez Denounces "False Information" From the Far Right About the Crisis in Ceuta
- [Unknown](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/08/31/7244481) — Spanish Prime Minister Points to Russia's Involvement in Migration Crisis in CEUTA
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/08/31/sanchez-reti-russe-e-israeliane-hanno-diffuso-false-notizie-su-ceuta_f668bc21-ffbd-4698-86b5-313967621293.html) — Sanchez, 'Russian and Israeli Networks Have Leaked False News About Ceuta'
- [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20243732) — Spain Accuses Russia and Israel of Spreading Lies
- [sofokleousin.gr](https://sofokleousin.gr/epikairotita/diethni/ispania-i-madriti-synexizei-tin-ereyna-gia-ta-aitia-tis-syrrois-m) — Spain: Madrid "Continues Investigation" Into the Causes of the Influx of Migrants in Ceuta
- [rtl.lu](https://rtl.lu/news/international/5-000-bis-10-000-illegal-migranten-nach-zu-ceuta-1798626998) — Situation Remains Tense: 5,000 to 10,000 Illegal Migrants Still in Ceuta
- [infoLibre](https://infolibre.es/politica/sanchez-asegura-no-hay-informacion-apunte-marruecos-crisis-ceuta_1_2235657.html) — Sánchez Dismisses Morocco’s Involvement in the Ceuta Crisis, but Points to Israel and Russia
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/ellada/madriti-synehizei-ereyna-gia-syrroi-metanaston) — Madrid Continues Investigation Into Migrant Influx - Government Speaks of Spreading Rumors and Misinformation - iefimerida.gr
- [lrytas.lt](https://lrytas.lt/pasaulis/ivykiai/2026/08/31/news/ispanijos-premjeras-del-seutos-krizes-kaltino-ultradesiniuosius-su-rusija-ir-izraeliu-siejamus-tinklus-43808601) — Spanish PM Blames Far-Right, Russia-Israeli Networks for Ceuta Crisis
- [Aftenposten](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/8pveyA/spanias-statsminister-sier-israel-og-russland-spredte-desinformasjon-om-ceuta) — Spanias Statsminister Sier Israel Og Russia Spred Desinformasjon Om Ceuta
- [haaretz.co.il](https://haaretz.co.il/news/world/europe/2026-08-31/ty-article/.premium/000001a0-56b4-d3eb-abf5-57ff863c0000) — Spanish PM: Israel and Russia Spread False Information Regarding the Migrant Crisis in Ceuta
- [20minutos](https://20minutos.es/nacional/sanchez-exculpa-marruecos-crisis-ceuta-apunta-rusia-israel-dice-que-cni-no-informo-su-gravedad_7030859_0.html) — Sánchez Exonerates Morocco From the Ceuta Crisis, Points to Russia and Israel and Says the CNI Did Not Report Its "Gravity"
- [Insider Paper](https://insiderpaper.com/spain-pm-ceuta-migrant-surge-inquiry-fake-information) — Spain PM says Ceuta migrant surge inquiry continues, far-right behind 'fake' information
- [Catalunyapress](https://catalunyapress.es/articulo/politica-nacional/2026-08-31/5997835-sanchez-atribuye-crisis-ceuta-redes-criminales-descarta-implicacion-marruecos) — Sánchez Attributes Ceuta's Crisis to "Criminal Networks" and Dismisses Morocco's Involvement
- [Sud Ouest](https://sudouest.fr/international/migrants-et-refugies/afflux-de-migrants-a-ceuta-l-espagne-continue-a-enqueter-sur-les-causes-la-russie-israel-et-l-ultra-droite-pointes-du-doigt-30428499.php) — Afflux of Migrants in Ceuta: Spain "Continues to Investigate" the Causes, Russia, Israel and the Ultra-Right Fingered
- [Catalunyapress](https://catalunyapress.cat/article/politica-nacional/2026-08-31/5997837-sanchez-atribueix-crisi-ceuta-xarxes-criminals-i-descarta-implicacio-marroc) — Sánchez Attributes the Ceuta Crisis to "Criminal Networks" and Rules Out Morocco's Involvement
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/espana/sanchez-descarta-participacion-marruecos-invasion-ceuta-apunta-rusia-israel_202608316a9523594941316b1e71cc7b.html) — Sánchez Dismisses Morocco’s Participation in the Invasion of Ceuta and Points to Russia and Israel

## Questions

**What caused the migrant influx into Ceuta?**

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Russia and Israel spread disinformation about the crisis, suggesting it was impossible to refuse migrants entry. Spain is continuing its investigation into the causes of the influx.

**How many migrants remain in Ceuta?**

Approximately 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. Many of these are unaccompanied minors who are in an uncertain legal and political situation.

**What role did Morocco play in the crisis?**

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has exempted Morocco from any responsibility for the migrant influx into Ceuta, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Spain Investigates Ceuta Migrant Influx, Sánchez Cites Disinformation", https://mediabias.news/politics/spain-investigates-ceuta-migrant-influx-sanchez-cites-disinformation