Moroccan authorities detained over 100 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, amidst increased security measures following social media calls for another mass migrant crossing. The incident occurred following a previous surge of over 72,000 migrants into Ceuta, resulting in tensions within the European Union and fueling anti-immigration sentiments globally, with 96 casualties reported.
According to a source in Morocco’s Interior Ministry, the apprehended individuals comprised 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens near Fnideq, the neighboring Moroccan city opposite Ceuta. Moroccan police reportedly used tear gas to disperse migrant groups close to the border, with Spanish news sources indicating a significant police presence in the area.
In response to the situation, Spanish soldiers guarded key locations in Ceuta, while police maintained a visible presence on the city’s streets. Madrid reinforced security by erecting a maritime barrier and deploying additional police personnel, bringing the total force in Ceuta to over 1,600. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restoring normalcy and averting similar incidents in the future.
Authorities in Ceuta indicated that irregular migrants would not be permitted to remain, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, except in exceptional cases. Notably, Rabat had issued warnings about social media posts inciting mass border crossings, leading to heightened security measures near the borders and reports of migrants seeking alternative routes to bypass security checkpoints.
Individuals who had managed to enter Ceuta advised against further crossings, highlighting the risks and urging others to refrain from attempting similar journeys. Concerns over the impact of mass migrations and calls for organized border crossings were raised by residents in the affected regions, emphasizing the challenges posed by such incidents on both sides of the border.