In a dramatic escalation of Europe’s migration crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the deployment of troops, aircraft, and drones to the border with Spain, as Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta is overwhelmed by a massive influx of migrants. The move comes as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declares that Spain is ‘under attack’ and European allies express anger over Madrid’s handling of the crisis.
According to The Gateway Pundit, citing multiple reports, the migrant invasion of Ceuta is ongoing, with Spanish intelligence sources accusing Morocco of waging a ‘false flag’ operation against the enclave. However, reports also indicate that the two countries are now collaborating, and that many of the invaders have begun to leave voluntarily.
Macron’s Response
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Macron said he had been in contact with Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez to express solidarity and offer assistance, including through Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. He also said he welcomed ongoing cooperation with Morocco, which had already enabled more than 40,000 returns from Ceuta to Morocco.
Macron revealed that he had asked France’s Interior Minister to strengthen controls at the border with Spain if necessary, and that four units of mobile forces, along with aircraft and drones, had been deployed. He emphasized that these measures reinforce arrangements taken since 2020 to better protect the border with Spain, including joint brigades and coordinated action against illegal immigration.
According to BFMTV, Macron’s entourage confirmed that the president had asked the interior minister to take all appropriate measures to strengthen controls at the border with Spain. The source added that contacts were underway with Spanish and Moroccan authorities to ensure close monitoring of the situation and to strengthen coordination between services.
The Ceuta Crisis
The crisis began on Thursday, when thousands of migrants stormed the border between Morocco and Ceuta, a Spanish territory that sits on a narrow spit of land jutting into the Mediterranean from Morocco. Spain’s Interior Ministry said around 50,000 people had crossed the border since Thursday morning, with an estimated 25,000 already turning back. By Friday, the number of entries was reported at 40,000.
A video posted by Polish MEP Dominik Tarczyński showed Morocco deliberately transporting thousands of migrants toward the Spanish border, facilitating an invasion. Moroccan forces were seen beating back crowds with batons and tear gas at the gates to Ceuta, attempting to prevent more from storming across.
European Backlash
Italy has already suspended freedom of movement with Spain in response to the crisis, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatening to suspend Schengen after what she described as ‘insane footage’ of young African males storming the enclave. The Telegraph reported that Rome would strengthen border controls, following a similar move by France.
Finland also voiced support for Italy’s proposal to close the Schengen area to Spain, with Finnish officials saying Madrid ‘has completely failed to protect the external border of the Schengen area,’ according to The Gateway Pundit.
Macron’s Defense
Macron defended his actions, saying they complement European instruments adopted to ensure returns and implement the asylum and migration pact. He noted a 25% drop in irregular flows to the European Union last year and continued decline on the Atlantic and western Mediterranean migration routes in 2026. He reiterated France’s solidarity with Spain and its government and people, calling for ‘solidarity and responsibility’ among European partners.
The situation in Ceuta remains fluid. An update from The Gateway Pundit reported that Spain has deployed its military to the chaotic enclave, which is said to be completely overrun by migrant invaders, and that Morocco has reportedly agreed to take the illegals back.
Source: www.thegatewaypundit.com — https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/07/frances-macron-deploys-troops-aircraft-drones-border-spain/