FNIDEQ (AP) – It began with Instagram postings that indicated Spain’s frontier with Morocco would be opening. Facebook users began tracking patrols by the coast guard, and TikTok videos showed where people could swim.
After sharing and commenting, many Moroccans were convinced that Europe is suddenly in reach.
In a matter of hours, youths began to head toward the Spanish border enclave Ceuta. Buses packed to the brim rolled through Fnideq, a Moroccan town nearby. Regional trains were also packed. The same was true for taxis.
When authorities finally acted, about 60,000 migrants had already reached Ceuta within a matter of days. This was the biggest migration wave between Morocco and Spain for years. Authorities said that more than 80 migrants were killed on both sides, some drowning and others in a stampede.
The fallout of last week’s tragic events is still lingering.
Online rumors have started.
Three friends in Larache (northern Morocco), about 150 kilometers from Ceuta and 93 miles away, watched an Instagram video by Haraga Ceuta that claimed the border was open. Haraga is a Moroccan dialect term for young migrants that destroy their ID papers before crossing into Europe illegally.
Post convinced Anas Arani, Yahya Harak and Ismail Atik it was worth the risk of travelling.
Many migrants who want to enter Spanish territory begin their journey in Fnideq. They attempt the swim of approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) around the breakwater border. Other migrants leave the village of Belyounech.
A TikTok clip shows the route that swimmers must take.
Users shared screenshots of vessel tracking platforms on Facebook groups like Fnideq Bab Sebta to determine when patrols by the coast guard appeared lighter. Others asked for advice about inflatable boats. Some advertised the sale of wetsuits.
Omar Danbor, 17, from Fnideq said, “I decided to walk back because I saw that the border had opened online.”
The identities of those who claimed the border was open and who ran the accounts on social media are unclear. Many of these accounts were deleted shortly after crossings. The Associated Press contacted a number of accounts, but did not receive a response.
Chaos on the Breakwater
When migrants arrived at the beaches of Ceuta there was chaos as many attempted to land on a concrete breakwater.
According to AP’s interviews with multiple migrants, they pushed and climbed over each other as people rushed over the slippery rocks. Many migrants said that they witnessed people being pushed into the water by others and thrown back in themselves as they tried to get to land.
“I stepped over the dead face of another man as I was climbing down.” “I hope God forgives both me and those who were killed,” Lahcen Kalotch, a Moroccan immigrant from Ceuta said.
On the Spanish side, at least 72 died. On the Moroccan side, 11 more people died.
Since then, tens of thousands have returned to Morocco either because they were expelled from Ceuta or left by choice due to a lack in shelter, water and food.
The new Spanish migration policies have been misunderstood by some
Several migrants have misunderstood the recent developments of Spanish law, such as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s measures to regularize immigration and a ruling by a judge that limits authorities’ ability to return immediately migrants who swim in Ceuta.
Sanchez’s efforts to legalize immigration were only meant for those who had already lived in Spain before Jan. 1. The majority are from Latin America, and they entered Spain legally. However, many of them overstayed their visas. Some Moroccans misunderstood his policies and thought they could stay. This belief was spread on the internet.
“Pedro Sanchez is a liar. “He told us that if we come, we’d get papers and jobs, but then they sent us away,” Adam Assil said, although Sanchez had never made any such promise.
Migration activists say that while attempts to reach Ceuta is not uncommon, this incident was unique because the online rumor spread so quickly, causing thousands to rush to the enclave in one go, rather than smaller groups.
Both sides have experienced failure
Moroccan authorities have said that the wave of migration was not spontaneous. Interior Ministry officials blamed “exploitation of digital space” and the “spread of misinformation.” They did not provide any evidence, but they said that an investigation was underway. Spain made similar claims.
Officials in Ceuta said they warned the Spanish Government of an influx before Thursday’s massive crush. Spanish Interior Ministry stated Monday it did not receive “any warning or report regarding the massive arrival of people at Ceuta” and praised the Moroccan authorities for their cooperation in returning most of these migrants.
Mustapha Azaitraoui is a Moroccan geographer who specializes in migration dynamics. “Nobody has addressed the question of how they managed to cross the border,” he said. If a group of this size can successfully cross the border, there is a larger security problem that needs to be addressed.
Migrants deny government accusations of smuggling
Morocco and Spain both blamed Ceuta’s crisis on organized crime groups and human trafficking.
But the majority of returning Moroccan migrants interviewed for AP rejected this explanation.
No one brought me to that country. “I wanted to leave of my free will but this country was not worth the sacrifice,” Kalouch stated.
There are no mafias. “The border was open and I crossed.” “I regret now that I did it”, said Danbor. His clothes were still damp after the return journey.
Spanish Interior Ministry stated that investigations are underway into the smuggling network and also noted Spain and Morocco had conducted joint operations to combat trafficking. Moroccan Interior Ministry has not responded to any questions regarding smuggling network.
The lack of employment is the key factor
The Moroccan economy will grow 4.5% in this year. It boasts major factories and ports that are advanced, as well as ambitions to be a regional car hub.
For many Moroccan youths this transformation is not translating into stable employment. The youth unemployment rate remains high. 37% of those aged 15-24 are unemployed. Nearly 20% of university graduates are unemployed. Stories of relatives returning with new cars, clothes and currency from abroad often reinforce the dream of migration.
A 16-year old boy who had grown up just a couple of dozen miles away from Ceuta was one of the people who crossed over. Europe was always a distant dream, but one that seemed close.
When he saw on Facebook that the border had been opened and thousands of people were crossing, he decided to join the stampede.
He was crying and asking strangers to give him money so he could take a taxi back home.
They sprayed me with tear gas and beat me up with batons. The teen said, “There’s no place for me here,” speaking under the condition of anonymity to avoid being stigmatized after his unsuccessful border crossing.
He wiped away his tears and said: “I only wanted to be able to support my mother.”
___
Bernat Armangue, Associated Press journalist in Ceuta (Spain), and Joseph Wilson, Associated Press reporter in Barcelona (Spain) contributed.

STOCKTON, Calif. —
Ashley Garibay from Stockton in California, 23 years old, was identified as the In-N-Out Burger worker killed over the weekend in Idaho in a shooting spree.
Garibay was at In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho to train employees when the shooting occurred on Saturday. Her uncle Marcos confirmed this to KCRA 3
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Garibay was employed by the In-N-Out on March Lane, Stockton.
Police reported that the attacker, Chad Williams, 24, killed himself and wounded seven other victims. Chad Williams (24 years old) killed himself. The police said that they believed he was acting alone. There has not been a motive released.
Garibay’s uncle stated that the family received notification of Garibay’s death Saturday night. Her father had been in Mexico, and returned on Monday.
Garibay’s family has released the following press release:
We are devastated and heartbroken by the death of Ashley, a daughter, sister auntie cousin friend who was taken far too early.
Ashley was a beautiful, amazing soul that loved to live life. She was outgoing, intelligent, and adventurous. Her bright smile, and contagious laugh lit up the room. She was always a good friend, no matter how difficult her life was.
Ashley fell in love when she got her first job at In-N-Out Burger. Her dream was to manage an In N Out store one day. She traveled proudly to open up new stores. She loved serving customers and died doing what she enjoyed.
We are thankful for In-N-Out Associates and first responders who came to Ashley’s assistance to comfort her during her last moments.
We ask the public and media to respect our privacy while we remember Ashley and mourn her loss.
In-N-Out Twin Falls opened its doors on 24 July as part of California’s nationwide expansion.
In a written statement, In-N-Out’s owner Lynsi Synder described her grief over the death of “one our beautiful employees.”
She wrote: “She took care of our biggest asset, our customers. Her life was stolen by an evil person who does not value other lives or his own.” He shot on and off our property and then ended his own life not long after. Innocent people were killed who had no idea what was coming.
Police reported that as of Sunday afternoon two victims were still in critical conditions, while three other patients were stable and the police released two more.

Suffolk County Department of Health, New York announced Monday it had seen at least three cases of rabbit fever or tularemia. Tularemia is a serious but rare infection. The infection can be caused by a tick bite or fly biting a mammal that is sick, usually a rabbit.
Tularemia results from infection by F. tularensis. The Lone Star tick or the American dog is most commonly associated with this disease. Rabbit fever can be contracted by a person if they come into contact with an infected animal or contaminate their water, dust or food. This disease is not contagious.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tularemia is more prevalent from May until September. CDC data shows that from 2019-2023 there were fewer than 200 reported cases per year, but the numbers have increased.
Suffolk County on Long Island has only had a few cases of rabbit flu over the past several years. According to county health department data, four cases of rabbit fever were reported in the year 2024. Three in 2023, and one in 2020. The data for 2025 has not been released yet.
Tularemia symptoms, treatment and diagnosis
Humans can develop a fever, swelling of the lymph nodes and body aches. They may also get a sore on their skin if it was transmitted by a fly or tick bite. The symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after the exposure but can last up to 21. This sore may lead to infection, which can enter bloodstream. Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition.
According to the New York State Department of Health, antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentamicin can be used to treat this infection. The US Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a vaccine that was available to lab workers exposed to the bacteria. It isn’t available on a wide scale in the United States.
Avoid ticks
Ticks could have a tough season in New York this winter, according to experts.
According to the state department of health, avoidance of tick bites will help you prevent tularemia. Use gloves when hunting and skinning an animal. Cook the meat completely before eating.
Wear long pants and long sleeves, closed-toed shoes and light colored clothing that has a tighter weave to help spot ticks and get rid of them quickly.
Health officials also advise against sitting on stones, fallen logs, or the floor. Avoid dense forests and dense areas. Stay on well-travelled trails and stay in the center. Consider using tick repellent if you must spend any time in an area with ticks. However, wash off the tick repellent when you return to that area.
It’s important to check your entire body after spending the day outdoors. Use tweezers with pointed tips to grab the tick by its head or mouth, where it penetrates your skin. Pull it up firmly. To kill the tick, place it in a container containing rubbing alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the wound. If you have a bite, use hydrogen peroxide.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience a fever or rash.

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Officials warn that Americans traveling legally to Cuba can expect significant disruptions due to the blackout crisis in Cuba.
According to a Fox News report, the U.S. embassy in Havana has confirmed that the electrical grid is collapsing and the entire country currently experiences a power outage.
The embassy warned that “all U.S. Citizens in Cuba, or those planning a trip to Cuba, should plan and be informed.”
As safety concerns grow, a popular cruise spot will be closed to the public until 2027.
Officials said that the latest grid outage is Cuba’s 6th nationwide grid failure in 2026. Three of these occurred just this July.
According to The Associated Press, residents are suffering in the heat, and many sleep near water, trying to avoid the scorching temperatures.
According to AP, Sunday’s maximum temperature reached 93 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it felt as if the Caribbean had a humidity of 80%, making it feel like 106.
Cuba, though not a tourist hotspot, still draws visitors, both Americans and others, from all over the globe.
The US Travel Warning Renewal has been slapped on a tourist hot spot due to crime and terror.
U.S. laws prohibit Americans from traveling to Cuba to visit, but there are a dozen exceptions.
According to the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, Americans can travel to Cuba in order for them, for example, for family visits, journalistic activities, educational projects, religious projects, humanitarian initiatives, and “support of the Cuban People”.
The State Department issued a travel warning in May 2025 urging Americans to Cuba “to be aware of their surroundings”.
The advisory warns, “Do not resist any attempt at robbery physically.”
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It also suggested that Americans prepare for “prolonged outages” by bringing portable batteries, non-perishable foods and water and spare batteries.
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Cuba’s electrical grid has been aging for many years. Fuel shortages have contributed to frequent nationwide power outages.
Cuban officials also blame U.S. sanction for the worsening of the energy crisis in the country, although it is unclear why the recent blackout occurred.
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The U.S. Embassy said that the Cuban media did not know the cause of the power failure and when it would be restored.
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VOLTA-REDONDA (Brazil)– Cubans who are fleeing their island’s fuel and economic crisis have been increasingly turning to Brazil since the Trump Administration closed off most routes for them to migrate to the United States.
According to the Brazilian Government, over 41,000 Cubans sought asylum in Brazil last year. This is a new record and part of an overall trend where asylum requests in Brazil have reached historical highs.
In the city of Volta Redonda in the south-east region of Brazil, Cuban immigrants gathered on a Sunday for a Spanish Bible study. In the last year, many Cuban migrants sought refuge in Brazil after Trump’s crackdown on immigration.
They prayed together for the Cubans who are still suffering, as blackouts, and shortages of medical supplies, have been increasing due to a U.S.-led pressure campaign.
Jose Ramirez (57) said that Cubans who want to leave have few options. Friends told him Brazil allows asylum seekers to work, and gives them access to social services. Brazil is one of few destinations left where Cubans are able to seek asylum and build a new future.
The trip to Brazil from Cuba can be difficult. Cubans can fly to Guyana, which is close by and has no visa requirements. Many do this before traveling into Brazil via the Amazon. This is a dramatic reversal from the migration patterns of recent years when people migrated northwards through this area.
Ramirez is now working at an air-conditioning company. He said that his favorite things about Brazil were “freedom and electricity” as well as the food.
Brazil continues to welcome asylum seekers at a moment when the United States, Europe and Latin America are all tightening up their borders. Larissa Getirana, of the refugee service group Caritas said that anti-migrant sentiment in Brazil hasn’t become a significant political force.
Getirana said, “We do not have a high percentage of migrants.” The government says that only 1% of Brazilians were born abroad. Brazil’s far-right politicians are vocal, but instead of opposing immigration, they show sympathy to people who have fled left-wing dictatorships such as Cuba and Venezuela.
Gehad Madi, U.N. expert on migrants’ rights, praised Brazil during a visit in March, stating that the country “stands out as a leader in Latin America for its open, rights-based and non-criminalizing approach to mobility.”
Nevertheless, some rights groups claim that Brazil’s immigration policies are becoming more restrictive.
Madi criticised the fact that Brazil, since 2024 has banned some individuals arriving at Sao Paulo’s international airport to seek asylum. Brazil’s Government said that the measures were taken to stop migrants using Brazil as a way to reach the United States and to fight human trafficking.
Getirana, a former Brazilian immigration official and Paulo Illes of NPR both said that U.S. efforts to reduce northward migration had influenced Brazil’s policy.
Cubans arriving in Brazil can apply for asylum to gain temporary protection from the law and work rights, though a decision on the final outcome may take many years, if at all. Leticia Carrvalho, of the migrant service group Missao Paz said that “it happens when there’s proof of persecution.”
Rights groups, concerned about Cuba’s humanitarian crisis and its worsening political situation, have called for Brazil to grant a wide residency permit for Cuban migrants. This was done in the past for Venezuelans.
Brazil’s Justice Ministry did not answer directly a question from NPR on whether or not it intended to take such action, but stated that its policies towards Cuban migrants will follow Brazilian law. Illes, a former official said that ideological sympathies could be preventing the Brazilian government from implementing the policy.
He said: “When you see a large group of refugees you know that the country is having a problem.”
Cubans flock to Brazil in their thousands every month, despite the fact that Brazil does not grant definitive residence permits to asylum seekers.
Beatriz Cespedes who left Cuba to live in Rio de Janeiro said, “There are many opportunities that will give you spiritual tranquility.”
Even though many Cubans wait for years before finding out if they can stay, the sense of possibility keeps them coming back to Brazil.