Morocco arrests 111 as migrants attempt to reach Spain’s Ceuta enclave

Moroccan police apprehended at least 111 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave. This action occurred amid heightened border security measures on both sides, prompted by social media posts advocating for another large-scale migrant crossing.

The attempted influx comes just two weeks after over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, a surge that strained European Union relations and amplified anti-immigration sentiments globally. That previous attempt resulted in the deaths of at least 96 people.

A Moroccan Interior Ministry source reported that those detained included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals. These arrests took place in or near Fnideq, the Moroccan city opposite Ceuta. Reports indicate Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups gathered near the border, with hundreds of officers later seen returning from the area.

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We'll continue to deploy whatever personnel are necessary to restore normality as soon as possible and prevent events like those of July 30 from happening again.

In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers and police maintained a visible presence, though the city was calmer than in the immediate aftermath of the July 30 crossing attempt. Madrid has since reinforced its security with a maritime barrier and over 500 additional police officers. The Interior Ministry stated these reinforcements are intended to restore normalcy and prevent a recurrence of the July events.

Approximately 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, many sheltering on the urban beach. The Spanish Interior Minister has stated that migrants who entered irregularly will not be allowed to stay, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, with exceptions for extreme vulnerability. Those without a right to remain will be returned to Morocco. Moroccan authorities have been monitoring social media for posts inciting mass crossings and have warned of prosecution for organizers and participants.

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We'll continue to deploy whatever personnel are necessary to restore normality as soon as possible and prevent events like those of July 30 from happening again.