Morocco arrests 111 migrants headed for Spain's Ceuta

Moroccan police apprehended at least 111 individuals attempting to enter Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. This action followed social media campaigns encouraging another large-scale migrant crossing. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and security measures at the border.

The attempted crossing comes just two weeks after more than 72,000 migrants surged into Ceuta. That earlier event caused significant strain within the European Union and amplified anti-immigration sentiments globally, with at least 96 people perishing during the attempt to reach European soil.

Authorities detained 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens near Fnideq, the Moroccan city opposite Ceuta. Reports indicate police used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered near the border. Security forces were later seen returning from the hills outside Fnideq, where a heavy police presence was noted.

In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers maintained a visible presence, guarding supermarkets, while police patrolled the enclave's main streets. The city appeared calmer than in the immediate aftermath of the July 30 crossing attempt. Madrid has since bolstered its security, installing a maritime barrier and deploying over 500 additional police officers, bringing the total in Ceuta to more than 1,600.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that reinforcements would remain indefinitely to prevent a recurrence of the July events. He also indicated that migrants who entered irregularly would generally not be permitted to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, with exceptions for cases of extreme vulnerability. Those without a right to remain would be returned to Morocco. Moroccan authorities had previously warned they would prosecute organizers and participants of planned mass crossings.

“

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.