Moroccan authorities apprehended over 100 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with heightened security measures in place following social media calls for another migrant influx. This incident occurred two weeks after a massive surge of over 72,000 migrants flooded Ceuta, triggering EU tensions and bolstering anti-immigration sentiments globally. Among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals near Fnideq, the city opposite Ceuta.
Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police utilized tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, with a visible police presence observed in the area. Spanish media outlets revealed that Moroccan authorities instructed journalists to vacate Fnideq promptly without elaborating on the reasons. In Ceuta, Spanish military personnel guarded key locations while police patrolled the streets diligently, maintaining a relatively calm environment compared to the aftermath of the previous mass crossing attempt.
Following the recent incidents, Madrid bolstered security by installing a maritime barrier and deploying more than 500 additional police officers from mainland Spain to Ceuta, bringing the total security force to over 1,600 members. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Approximately 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, with many seeking refuge from the scorching heat on El Trampolin beach. Grande-Marlaska reiterated that irregular migrants would not be allowed to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status unless under exceptional circumstances. Morocco had issued warnings about planned mass crossings, leading to reinforced security near the border and checkpoints in various cities.
Despite efforts to prevent further crossings, witnesses reported migrants from sub-Saharan Africa circumventing security measures by taking alternative routes towards Fnideq. Schools in Fnideq were repurposed as accommodations for security forces stationed near the border.
Young migrants who successfully reached Ceuta advised against further attempts, citing the challenges and risks involved. The cautionary messages aimed to deter others from embarking on perilous journeys, emphasizing the importance of safety and discouraging further mass border crossings orchestrated by individuals seeking a better future through risky means.