Spanish enclave Ceuta breathes sigh of relief as feared migrant rush fails to materialize

The feared mass influx of migrants into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta did not occur over the weekend, bringing relief to the territory. This calm followed online calls for a new surge across the border, reminiscent of events in late July.

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The regime of King Mohammed VI has deployed such a massive security force at the border that fewer North Africans than in a long time have tried to reach Spain.

Spain and Morocco had substantially reinforced their security presence in anticipation. While Moroccan authorities reported stopping approximately 300 migrants near the border town of Fnideq, this number is described as routine. "The regime of King Mohammed VI has deployed such a massive security force at the border that fewer North Africans than in a long time have tried to reach Spain," noted the newspaper "El Mundo."

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The enclave breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday.

Relief was palpable in Ceuta, with local media reporting that the enclave "breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday." An elderly resident expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "A weight has been lifted from our hearts. Many here were very afraid the chaos would repeat itself." In late July, an estimated up to 80,000 migrants entered Ceuta, though most returned to Morocco shortly after.

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A weight has been lifted from our hearts. Many here were very afraid the chaos would repeat itself.

Moroccan security forces were heavily deployed around Ceuta and the second Spanish enclave, Melilla, preventing potential border crossings far from the frontier. According to Moroccan security sources, 294 people were detained, including 248 from sub-Saharan countries and 46 Moroccans. Additionally, at least 61 individuals were arrested on suspicion of inciting or promoting irregular migration on social media.

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The mass arrival at the time was an 'exceptional' event that would not be repeated.