Moroccan authorities apprehended over 111 individuals on Saturday while attempting to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amidst heightened security measures following social media calls for another large-scale migrant crossing. This incident occurred following a previous surge of more than 72,000 migrants into Ceuta, leading to tensions within the European Union and inflaming anti-immigration sentiments globally, with approximately 96 casualties reported.
According to a source from the Moroccan Interior Ministry, those detained included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals in or near Fnideq, the city opposite Ceuta. Spanish news agency EFE reported that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border hills, with visible police presence in the area.
In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers safeguarded key locations while police maintained a strong presence in the city, which was relatively calm compared to the aftermath of the previous crossing attempt. Madrid has reinforced security with a maritime barrier and over 500 additional police officers from mainland Spain, bringing the total force in Ceuta to over 1,600, with plans to maintain this level of deployment as necessary.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska vowed to restore normalcy and prevent future incidents like the one on July 30, emphasizing that irregular migrants entering Ceuta would not be permitted to stay, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Rabat had earlier warned against mass crossings on August 15, with reports of enhanced security near the border in response.
Efforts to prevent further crossings included halting groups from boarding transport to northern Morocco and increased security at border checkpoints, although some sub-Saharan migrants were reported to be taking alternative mountain routes. School facilities in Fnideq were repurposed to accommodate security forces near the border.
Young migrants who entered Ceuta recently were seen engaging in everyday activities at Tarajal beach, with one individual advising against further attempts, citing the challenges and risks involved. The sentiment was echoed by another individual who highlighted the adverse outcomes of mass border crossings and the need for sustainable solutions.