Spain's National Court opens preliminary probe into Ceuta migrant arrivals

Spain's National Court has opened a preliminary investigation into mass migrant arrivals in the North African autonomous city of Ceuta in late July. The probe follows a complaint by a civil society organization alleging that the events could fall under crimes against state security, criminal organization membership and facilitation of irregular migration. The court ordered the National Police to prepare a comprehensive report on the crossings of July 30 and 31, specifically examining whether organized groups or networks were behind the events. Judicial authorities have called for the situation to be handled within the framework of the rule of law and respect for human rights. The investigation was launched after large numbers of irregular migrants reached Ceuta by swimming and on foot toward the end of July, prompting Spanish authorities to request military support to reinforce security measures. Officials subsequently tightened controls in the area and deployed additional security personnel as crossings intensified.