Moroccan authorities apprehended over 100 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amidst heightened security measures following social media calls for another mass migrant crossing. This incident occurred two weeks after a massive influx of more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to tensions within the EU and fueling anti-immigration sentiments globally. Tragically, at least 96 people lost their lives in the attempt to reach European territory.
A source from Morocco’s Interior Ministry informed Reuters that among the 111 individuals detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens, apprehended in or near Fnideq, the Moroccan city facing Ceuta. Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police utilized tear gas to disperse migrant groups gathered on hills approximately three kilometers from the border. Subsequently, hundreds of police officers, some in riot gear and others in plain clothes, were observed returning from the hills outside Fnideq.
In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers guarded supermarkets while police maintained a heavy presence on the enclave’s main streets. The city appeared calmer compared to the period immediately following the tragic crossing attempt on July 30. Madrid has bolstered security by implementing a maritime barrier and deploying over 500 additional police officers from mainland Spain, bringing the total deployment in Ceuta to more than 1,600. The Interior Ministry affirmed that these reinforcements would remain in place as necessary.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restore normalcy and prevent future incidents like the one on July 30, emphasizing that migrants entering irregularly would not be allowed to remain in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status unless under exceptional circumstances. The minister noted that those without the right to stay would be repatriated to Morocco.
Authorities in Rabat had been monitoring social media posts calling for a mass crossing on August 15, warning of legal action against organizers and participants. Enhanced security measures were evident near the border, including police vans with wire shields and road checkpoints. Similar precautions were reported near Spain’s other North African enclave, Melilla.
Efforts were made to prevent groups from boarding transportation to northern Morocco in cities like Casablanca, Fez, and Kenitra. Despite these measures, some migrants from sub-Saharan Africa reportedly evaded security checkpoints by taking mountain routes towards Fnideq. Witnesses observed schools in Fnideq repurposed as accommodations for security personnel stationed near the border.
Young individuals who had entered Ceuta on July 30 were spotted engaging in everyday activities at Tarajal beach, with one individual advising against further border crossings due to the challenges and risks involved. The cautionary message was echoed by another individual, highlighting the difficulties and limited benefits of unauthorized entry. Discussions revealed that some planned border crossings were orchestrated by coordinated groups seeking strength in numbers for their journey.