Moroccan police arrest over 100 migrants trying to reach Spanish enclave

Moroccan police arrested over 100 migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, attempting to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This incident follows a recent disinformation campaign on social media that encouraged people to flock to the city. The attempted crossing occurred weeks after a previous influx where many migrants died. Moroccan authorities had stated they were working to prevent such attempts, deploying hundreds of police who reportedly used tear gas. Reports indicate hundreds of people were traveling through mountains to avoid checkpoints, with arrests including both Moroccans and sub-Saharan Africans.

Moroccan police arrested 111 people attempting to enter Ceuta, Spain's north African territory, on Saturday. This occurred amid heightened security on both sides of the border, following social media calls for another mass crossing. The attempted surge came two weeks after over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to EU tensions and anti-immigration rhetoric. The detained individuals included 109 sub-Saharan African migrants and two Moroccan citizens. Moroccan police used teargas to disperse groups near the border, while Spanish soldiers and additional police patrolled Ceuta. Spain's interior minister stated that irregular migrants would not be allowed to stay and would be returned to Morocco, except in cases of extreme vulnerability. Moroccan authorities had warned they would prosecute organizers and participants of the planned mass crossing.

Moroccan authorities detained dozens of migrants on Saturday who were attempting to cross into the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta. Over 100 individuals were intercepted near Fnideq, approximately 3km from the border, with the majority originating from sub-Saharan Africa. This action follows a significant influx of migrants to Ceuta two weeks prior, which led to increased security measures by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities. Security forces reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups gathered on nearby hills. Moroccan authorities had been monitoring social media for calls for a mass crossing and stated they would prosecute organizers and participants. Spain had also deployed over 1,500 officers to patrol the area.

Morocco's Interior Ministry has increased security along its borders with the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to prevent a potential surge in crossings. This action follows the detection of social media campaigns inciting mass, illegal attempts to enter Ceuta, with some posts falsely claiming the border would open on August 15. Moroccan authorities are taking legal proceedings against those spreading such disinformation and have stated that all necessary measures are in place to counter illegal passage. This comes after a significant influx of approximately 7,000 people into Ceuta in late July, also reportedly triggered by a social media campaign. In a related action, seven Moroccan taxi drivers were recently sentenced for transporting individuals to the border.

Morocco has increased security along its borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla following social media calls for new mass crossings. This action comes after a surge in late July where tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta, resulting in numerous deaths. Spain's Civil Guard has stated the border will remain closed, and the Defense Minister warned against further attempts at mass entry. Moroccan authorities have arrested individuals suspected of inciting these movements. The increased security measures are intended to counter any new illegal crossing attempts into the Spanish territories, which are the EU's only land borders with Africa.