Moroccan authorities detained over 100 individuals on Saturday near Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in response to social media calls for a mass migrant crossing. The arrests followed a recent surge of 72,000 migrants into Ceuta, leading to heightened security measures and tensions within the European Union.
According to a source from the Moroccan Interior Ministry, among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens in or around Fnideq, the city across from Ceuta. Reports indicated that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, while Spanish security forces maintained a visible presence in Ceuta following the previous influx.
Emphasizing the need for restoring order, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced additional police deployment and maritime barriers in Ceuta. The minister warned that irregular migrants would not be allowed to remain in the enclave or travel to mainland Spain, except in exceptional cases of extreme vulnerability.
Recent security measures aimed to deter potential mass crossings, with authorities monitoring border areas and preventing groups from moving toward the border. Despite the challenges, some migrants were reported to be attempting alternative routes to bypass security checkpoints.
In the aftermath of the recent events, young individuals who entered Ceuta shared warnings, advising against further attempts to cross into the enclave. They cautioned that the risks outweighed any potential benefits and urged others to reconsider embarking on dangerous journeys.
As authorities continue to address the situation, efforts are being made to prevent future mass crossings and ensure the safety and well-being of both migrants and local residents in Ceuta.