Trump Warns Spain's Migrant 'Invasion' Could Be Future of US

About 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta territory in a 24-hour period

Published: 7/31/2026, 5:08:31 PM EDT

Trump Warns Spain's Migrant 'Invasion' Could Be Future of US — This video frame grab obtained from an AFP video shows migrants reaching the shore of Spanish north African exclave of Ceuta, after swimming around the border fence between Morocco and Spain, in Ceuta on July 30, 2026. Hundreds of migrants entered the Spanish north African exclave of Ceuta today, AFP reporters saw, many of them having swum by sea around the frontier fence. Migration from Morocco into Spain's two north African territories, Ceuta and Melilla, has long been a politically sensitive issue between the two countries, as thousands cross the border at times. AFP reporters saw a stream of adults and children, most of them wet, entering the town. (Photo by Lucía DIAZ / AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump used the recent surge of migrants crossing into Spain to reinforce his argument for tougher immigration policies, warning it could happen in the United States under a change of leadership.

"It's terrible. Remember that picture. That's going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in," Trump told reporters Friday.

Images from the Ceuta migration surge show a chaotic scene at the Spain-Morocco border, with large groups of migrants arriving by sea and gathering near crossings, climbing fences and rushing toward border reception facilities.

About 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta territory in a 24-hour period. At least 57 migrants have died during their journey to Spain.

Trump pointed to the images as evidence of consequences to weak immigration enforcement.

"It looks like an invasion of a country,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don't get elected — except worse... If we're not in office, our country will be invaded at levels that make Spain look small time."

Spanish officials blamed the surge on misinformation spread online that suggested migrants arriving by sea would be allowed to stay in Spain. After reports circulated on social media about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier in July that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla could not be immediately returned, many capitalized on it as a chance to make the crossing, authorities said.

The State Department on Friday reiterated Trump's stance and blamed the Spanish government for the surge.

“The United States stands with the people of Spain, and all Europeans, against this egregious violation of their sovereignty and human rights,” the State Department wrote on X. “This unacceptable incident is the direct result of the Spanish Government's deliberate efforts to enable and facilitate mass illegal migration into Europe.”

“We are considering actions to defend Americans at home and abroad from this threat and stand ready to assist other European allies considering similar options,” it added.

For now, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would install buoys in the sea as a temporary measure to create a physical barrier and strengthen border controls.

Spanish officials and migration experts have cited several other factors behind the surge, including economic hardship and illegal smuggling activities, noting that migration movements are typically driven by a combination of political, economic and social pressures.

Immigration remains a central political issue in the United States and Europe. Supporters argue that stronger enforcement measures are needed to combat illegal immigration and protect national security, while critics say that isolated border incidents should not be used to define overall migration trends or policy decisions.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.