Moroccan authorities apprehended over 100 individuals on Saturday who were attempting to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amid heightened security measures following social media calls for another mass migrant crossing. The incident occurred two weeks after a large influx of more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to tensions within the European Union and fueling anti-immigration sentiments globally. Among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens near Fnideq, a city facing Ceuta.
Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered near the border. Subsequently, a significant police presence was observed in Fnideq, with officers in riot gear and plain clothes patrolling the area. Both EFE and Spanish state broadcaster TVE noted that Morocco’s Interior Ministry instructed their journalists to leave Fnideq without explanation.
In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers secured supermarkets, while police maintained a heavy presence on the city’s streets. The situation was calmer compared to the aftermath of the previous crossing attempt. Madrid reinforced security by installing a maritime barrier and deploying additional police personnel, bringing the total number in Ceuta to over 1,600. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the ongoing efforts to restore order and prevent future incidents like the one on July 30.
Approximately 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, with some seeking refuge from the heat on El Trampolin beach. Grande-Marlaska reiterated that irregular migrants would not be permitted to stay, travel to mainland Spain, or attain legal status unless under exceptional circumstances. Those ineligible to remain would be repatriated to Morocco.
Recent social media messages incited concerns of another mass crossing on August 15, prompting tightened security near the border and heightened vigilance in cities like Melilla. Authorities intercepted groups attempting to travel to northern Morocco and noted migrants circumventing security measures by taking alternative routes.
Local residents shared warnings against attempting the dangerous journey, emphasizing the risks and urging others not to follow suit. The sentiment was echoed by a young individual who highlighted the challenges and uncertainties associated with unauthorized border crossings.
