Moroccan authorities apprehended over 110 individuals on Saturday while attempting to breach the border into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. The increased security measures followed social media calls for another mass migrant crossing, just two weeks after a surge of over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to EU tensions and anti-immigration sentiments.
Among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens near Fnideq, the city across from Ceuta. Moroccan police reportedly used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, with a heavy security presence observed in the area.
In Ceuta, Spanish forces maintained tight security, with soldiers guarding key locations and police monitoring the streets. Additional measures included the installation of a maritime barrier and the deployment of over 500 extra police officers from mainland Spain to bolster the total presence in Ceuta to 1,600.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restoring order and preventing future incidents like the recent mass crossing. He confirmed that irregular migrants entering Ceuta would not be permitted to stay, travel to the mainland, or obtain legal status, except in exceptional cases of extreme vulnerability.
Authorities in Morocco and Spain reinforced security near the border, with reports of checkpoints and police presence in surrounding areas. Efforts were made to prevent migrant groups from boarding transportation to northern Morocco, although some reportedly bypassed security using alternative routes.
In light of the situation, young migrants in Ceuta advised against attempting dangerous crossings, emphasizing the challenges and risks involved. The warnings echoed concerns about the sustainability of mass border crossings and the lack of long-term solutions to address the migrant influx.
