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Migration crisis
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Judge asks Civil Guard if he received alerts before the migration crisis in Ceuta

The National High Court has opened proceedings following a complaint by Iustitia Europa requesting information on the whereabouts of survivors and fatalities.

FOTODELDÍA - CASTILLEJOS (MARRUECOS), 31/07/2026.- Jóvenes regresan de España en el paso fronterizo de Bab Sebta, cerca de Fnideq (Marruecos), el 31 de julio de 2026. Los disturbios estallaron cuando miles de personas se congregaron cerca de la frontera; algunos intentaron cruzar a Ceuta y se enfrentaron a las fuerzas de seguridad marroquíes. EFE/JALAL MORCHIDI
Image of thousands of migrants trying to cross into Ceuta. Photo: EFE

Judge Maria Tardón of the National High Court (AN) asked the Civil Guard if she had received "any information in previous days" about the "massive irregular entry "of thousands of people who passed from Morocco to Ceuta from 30 to 31 July .

In an order to which Europa Press has had access, the magistrate requests the Information Headquarters of the Armed Institute "to report on the device developed by the civilian guards stationed in the territory, in particular with regard to the rescue operations of persons found in Spanish territorial waters", as well as their personal "known" situation.

In the case of the deceased, the magistrate wishes to know "the cause and date of death ", while in the case of the "survivors" the "identity and location data"collected by the officers.

This week, Tardon requested a report from the General Police Commissioner for Aliens and Borders (UCRIF) of the National Police to find out whetherthe entry of persons from Morocco into Ceuta had been "concerted action" and encouraged by "a criminal group".

Why is there a judicial investigation?

Following the criminal complaint filed by Iustitia Europa against officials, "members of criminal organizations" and "identifiable" Spanish and foreign authorities, the judge decided to initiate preliminary proceedings.

Iustitia Europe filed a lawsuit for crimes against state security, crimes against the nation, incitement to illegal immigration and trafficking in persons, criminal organization and failure to prosecute crimes. 

The judge has yet to rule on the criminal jurisdiction of the National High Court over the facts complained of, a matter on which he consulted the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Some 72,000 peopleentered the Tarajal spigot on Thursday on the border with Morocco, 70,000 of whom have already returned and at least 75 people have died, according to data from the Spanish Government.

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