Morocco arrests 111 migrants headed for Spain's Ceuta in security crackdown

Moroccan authorities have arrested at least 111 individuals attempting to cross into Spain's enclave of Ceuta, as security measures intensify on both sides of the border. The crackdown follows social media appeals for another large-scale migrant crossing and a previous influx that saw over 72,000 people surge into the Spanish territory.

The detained individuals, including 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens, were apprehended near Fnideq, the Moroccan city opposite Ceuta. Moroccan police reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups gathered close to the border. In response, Spanish soldiers have been deployed to guard supermarkets in Ceuta, and police are heavily patrolling the enclave's streets.

Spain has significantly bolstered its defenses following the chaotic events of July 30, when at least 96 migrants died attempting to reach European soil. Madrid has since installed a maritime barrier and deployed over 500 additional police officers, bringing the total security presence in Ceuta to more than 1,600. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that reinforcements would remain as long as necessary to prevent a recurrence of the July incident.

Grande-Marlaska also emphasized that migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly would not be permitted to remain, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, with exceptions only for those demonstrating extreme vulnerability. Those without a right to remain will be returned to Morocco. Rabat has stated it is monitoring social media for calls to mass crossings and will prosecute organizers and participants, indicating a coordinated effort to deter further attempts.

“

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.