The exact number is contested: figures evolved from an initial Interior Ministry estimate of ~50,000 to the government's later figure of 70,000, with the president of Ceuta citing up to 60,000 and some outlets reporting 70,000–80,000. The claim presents a single figure from a disputed range.
The most detailed source documenting the government's 70,000 figure (Maldita.es) was published on 2026-09-18, two days after the session date; however, the underlying data (Sánchez's statements of 3 and 9 September 2026) predates the session and could have been known by the MEP.
No primary official Spanish source (Interior Ministry report or official transcript) was retrieved; the figures rest on independent secondary sources citing government statements and NGO/agency estimates.
The claim uses 'stormed the border', whereas sources describe people crossing on foot, swimming around breakwaters, or attempting to breach the frontier; the descriptor is dramatic but broadly consistent with the reported event.
Sources
SecondaryMaldita.es (fact-checking, citing Spanish government / Pedro Sánchez)"Desde 50.000 hasta 80.000 migrantes: así se ha ido cifrando a las personas que llegaron a Ceuta el 30 de julio. La última cifra que ha dado el Gobierno de España es de 70.000 migrantes, según dijo Pedro Sánchez tanto el 3 como el 9 de septiembre."
SecondaryInternational Rescue Committee (IRC) in the EU"In late July 2026, an estimated 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in less than 48 hours - the largest such crossing in the territory's history. Most crossed the border on foot or swam around coastal barriers, with many people losing their lives in the process."
SecondaryInfoMigrants"In late July 2026, an estimated 70,000-80,000 people, mainly young men, crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta within a matter of days, many swam and others entered through the land border. At least 100 deaths were confirmed, mostly from drowning."
SecondaryMorocco World News"Around 70,000 of the estimated 72,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco into occupied Ceuta have now returned to Morocco."