Moroccan authorities apprehended 111 individuals on Saturday for attempting to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as security measures were heightened following social media calls for a mass migrant crossing. This incident occurred soon after over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta two weeks prior, resulting in tensions within the European Union and bolstering anti-immigrant sentiments globally. Among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals near Fnideq, a city facing Ceuta in Morocco.
Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border. Subsequently, a large police presence, including officers in riot gear and plain clothes, was observed in the vicinity. Moroccan authorities instructed journalists to leave Fnideq abruptly, without specifying the reason.
In Ceuta, Spanish military personnel guarded supermarkets while police maintained a strong presence in the city. The situation was relatively calm compared to the aftermath of the previous mass crossing attempt. Additional security measures were implemented, including a maritime barrier and the deployment of over 500 extra police officers from mainland Spain, bringing the total presence in Ceuta to more than 1,600. The Spanish Interior Ministry emphasized that these reinforcements would continue as necessary.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska pledged to deploy adequate resources to restore normalcy and prevent future incidents like the one on July 30. Approximately 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, with many seeking shelter on El Trampolin beach. Grande-Marlaska clarified that irregular migrants would not be permitted to remain in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or attain legal status, except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Those lacking the right to stay would be repatriated to Morocco.
Concerns over social media calls for a mass crossing on August 15 prompted increased security measures near the border, including checkpoints and police presence. Efforts were made to prevent migrants from boarding transportation to northern Morocco from various cities, although some individuals reportedly circumvented security checks by taking mountain routes to Fnideq.
Young individuals who recently crossed into Ceuta advised against further attempts, cautioning others about the risks involved. The warning was reiterated by a 17-year-old migrant, emphasizing the challenges and lack of solutions for those attempting to enter Ceuta in large numbers. Plans for coordinated border crossings were described as prearranged events intended to leverage collective strength.
The situation in Ceuta remains dynamic as authorities address ongoing challenges related to migration and border security.