Moroccan authorities apprehended over 111 individuals on Saturday in an attempt to enter Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. The heightened security measures were implemented following social media calls for another mass migrant crossing after over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta two weeks ago, resulting in fatalities.
Among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals near Fnideq, a city facing Ceuta. Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, and Spanish sources reported a significant police presence in the area.
In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers guarded key locations, while police closely monitored the streets after the recent influx of migrants. Additional security measures, including a maritime barrier and the deployment of more than 500 officers from mainland Spain, were put in place to maintain order in the region.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restoring normalcy and preventing future incidents similar to the recent border crossing. Approximately 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, with plans to return those who entered irregularly to Morocco, except in cases of extreme vulnerability.
Moroccan authorities enhanced security near the border, with reports of increased police presence and road checkpoints. Measures were also taken in other North African enclaves like Melilla to prevent unauthorized border crossings.
While some migrants attempted to bypass security checkpoints using mountain routes, others were prevented from boarding transportation to northern Morocco. Schools in Fnideq were reportedly repurposed to accommodate security forces stationed near the border.
Migrant individuals who recently crossed into Ceuta advised against further attempts, warning of the challenges and urging others not to follow suit. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, with organizations struggling to provide support to the remaining migrants in the enclave.