Moroccan authorities detained over 100 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, in response to heightened security measures following social media calls for another mass migrant influx. This incident occurred two weeks after a massive surge of more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to EU tensions and fueling anti-immigration sentiments.
A Moroccan Interior Ministry source revealed that those arrested included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals in or near Fnideq, which faces Ceuta. Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border hills. Subsequently, a significant police presence, including officers in riot gear, was observed in Fnideq.
In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers safeguarded supermarkets and police maintained a strong presence on the city’s main streets. Following the recent events, Madrid deployed additional law enforcement and established a maritime barrier to reinforce security in Ceuta. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to prevent similar incidents in the future by deploying necessary resources.
The current migrant population in Ceuta stands at around 5,000 individuals, with authorities clarifying that irregular entrants would not be allowed to stay, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status unless under exceptional circumstances. Morocco has also taken measures to prevent further mass crossings, with reports of enhanced security near the border and in other regions like Melilla.
Efforts to curb migrant movements have included preventing groups from boarding transportation to northern Morocco and deploying security forces to key checkpoints. Despite these measures, some sub-Saharan African migrants have reportedly attempted to bypass security by taking alternative routes towards Fnideq, where schools have been repurposed to accommodate security personnel.
In a cautionary message, a young migrant advised against further crossings, highlighting the challenges and risks involved. Another individual emphasized the futility of such attempts, warning of the escalating numbers and lack of sustainable solutions. The orchestrated mass crossings were described as preplanned events aimed at leveraging collective strength for a better future.