Moroccan authorities have detained nearly 300 migrants attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, alongside 61 individuals suspected of organizing the illegal passage. The arrests occurred on Saturday as security forces intensified border patrols following renewed social media campaigns encouraging mass migration attempts to the North African territory.
The operation represents a response to a major migration surge that occurred two weeks earlier, when tens of thousands of people rushed toward Ceuta seeking entry into Europe. That incident resulted in significant casualties, with at least 90 deaths reported on both sides of the border, though human rights organizations documented higher figures. The crossing was largely driven by misinformation spread on social media platforms.
Between 5,000 and 8,000 migrants remain stranded in Ceuta following the earlier mass crossing attempt. Many are living in difficult conditions on beaches and at the city’s edges while Spanish authorities determine their status. Spanish officials have indicated that irregular migrants will generally not be permitted to remain in the enclave or transfer to mainland Spain, with limited exceptions for vulnerable cases.
Morocco has significantly increased its security deployment along the Ceuta border, with more than 20,000 personnel stationed daily at considerable financial cost. The migrants, originating from sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, are primarily fleeing poverty and instability in their home countries, seeking better economic opportunities through passage to mainland Europe.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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