Trump Slams Spain Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis, Says Country Has ‘ZERO Control’ of Border

September 6, 2026

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump has criticised Spain over the migrant crisis in the Spanish territory of Ceuta, accusing the country of having “ZERO control” over its border.

Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social, saying, “So sad what is happening in Spain, a country with ZERO control of its Border. WOW!”

His comments came as Spain continued to deal with the aftermath of a major migrant surge from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. The episode has also raised questions over the role of Moroccan security forces during the border breach.

Trump criticises Spain over Ceuta migrant surge

Trump had previously criticised Spain’s handling of the Ceuta migrant crisis during an interview with GB News. The crisis involved thousands of migrants attempting to enter the Spanish territory from Morocco by swimming and climbing border fences.

During the interview, Trump described the influx as an “invasion of a country” and warned that Spain could face serious consequences if the situation continued.

“You know, you don’t have thousands of people just bum-rushing your country. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Trump said, while comparing the situation with migration challenges faced by the United Kingdom.

Ceuta has experienced migration pressure in the past, but the latest surge was described as unprecedented. Spanish authorities said tens of thousands of people entered the enclave during the episode, with many later returning or being repatriated to Morocco.

Thousands return as migrant crisis fuels political debate

Spanish authorities reported that a large majority of those who crossed into Ceuta subsequently returned to Morocco. The Spanish government also said thousands remained in the territory, including more than 1,000 minors, while local authorities provided a higher estimate.

There were also reports suggesting that Moroccan security forces may have allowed migrants to reach the border during the surge. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected claims that Rabat was complicit in the incident.

The crisis has increased political pressure on Sanchez’s government, with protests reported over its handling of migration and border security.

Trump, Sanchez face wider tensions over NATO

Trump’s criticism comes amid broader tensions between Washington and Madrid. Relations have been strained over defence spending and Spain’s position on NATO commitments.

Spain also previously refused permission for US forces to use its military bases for strikes against Iran, adding to disagreements between the two countries.

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, Sanchez opposed Trump’s proposed target requiring NATO members to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035. Spain maintained that its existing defence spending commitment was sufficient.

During his GB News interview, Trump again criticised Sanchez and said Spain “doesn’t behave very well” regarding NATO.

The latest remarks highlight continuing disagreements between Trump and the Spanish government over migration, border security and defence spending.