Moroccan police successfully dispersed hundreds of migrants on Sunday who were attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This surge in migration attempts followed social media posts encouraging people to make the crossing, according to reports from the scene. Ceuta, along with Melilla, remains a significant entry point for irregular migrants due to its unique position as one of the only European Union territories that share a land border with Africa.
On Sunday, large groups, including Moroccans, other African migrants, and minors, gathered near the border village of Fnideq, which is adjacent to Ceuta. However, Moroccan authorities quickly intervened, preventing them from advancing toward the border. Similar attempts were also thwarted earlier in the day, as security forces had increased their presence around Fnideq over the weekend, anticipating the wave of illegal crossing attempts triggered by online messages.
Despite the heightened security, many young Moroccans managed to approach the border area but were apprehended by the police. They were later sent back to their respective hometowns. Local reports confirmed that authorities had arrested 60 people for spreading false information on social media, which had fueled the attempts to organize mass illegal migration efforts.
In recent months, Moroccan authorities have been intensifying efforts to curb illegal migration into Spain. In August alone, over 11,300 attempts to cross into Ceuta were blocked, alongside 3,300 attempts into Melilla. Although land routes are frequently used, the primary pathway for migrants from Morocco to Spain remains the sea. By mid-August, over 22,300 migrants had reached Spain’s Canary Islands, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year.