Spain monitors social media for calls to mass migrant entry into Ceuta

Spanish authorities are on alert following the emergence of social media messages in Morocco that appear to be inciting a new wave of mass migration into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Police sources are closely monitoring these communications, which have proliferated on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Last week, tens of thousands of people crossed the border into Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish officials have since returned approximately 70,000 of the 72,000 individuals who entered illegally. The enclave's reception facilities are severely strained, particularly in finding temporary shelter for children who cannot be immediately deported.

While some messages circulating online, reportedly mentioning August 15th as a potential date for another mass crossing, are being analyzed with caution, security forces are leaning towards classifying them as disinformation. These messages may originate from outside Spain and Morocco, and follower counts could be manipulated. Nevertheless, police units deployed to Ceuta last week will remain in the area for the foreseeable future.

Government officials, including the Spanish government's representative in Ceuta, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, have confirmed they are closely watching these social media posts and preparing contingency plans. The European Commission is also monitoring the situation, with a spokesperson assuring readiness for potential events around August 15th. However, officials caution that many reports are unverified, and the situation on the ground remains unclear, necessitating close contact with both Spanish and Moroccan authorities.

“

users of social networks not to 'fall for false information.'