Social media campaign drives migrant surge into Ceuta

A social media campaign, fueled by a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that protects migrants who swim to Ceuta from summary return, triggered a mass crossing of nearly 60,000 people into the Spanish enclave on July 28. Smuggling networks and local groups used Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to spread mobilization messages, logistics, and success stories, including the viral image of Farah, a Moroccan woman who swam 5km to Ceuta. The campaign, though not centralized, amplified across platforms and led to a significant migrant surge.