Moroccan security forces detained 111 migrants on Saturday near the town of Fnideq, close to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as they attempted to cross into the territory.
The majority of those intercepted were from sub-Saharan Africa. The arrests occurred approximately 3 kilometers from the border, where authorities have significantly increased security measures following a massive influx of migrants in late July.
Earlier this month, nearly 78,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta within hours, resulting in about 100 deaths, according to the local mayor. Since then, both Moroccan and Spanish governments have bolstered patrols and border defenses to prevent further large-scale crossings.
Moroccan police, some equipped with riot gear, reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups gathered on nearby hills. Rabat also warned it would prosecute anyone organizing or participating in mass crossing attempts after monitoring social media posts calling for such actions.
Spanish media reported that security at the border's breakwater entrance was intensified, with the presence of a metal fence, floating barriers, army personnel, navy speedboats, and drones. Spain has deployed over 1,500 officers to patrol the area.
The migrant crisis has triggered tensions within the European Union. Italy suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, supported by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic proposed temporarily suspending Spain’s Schengen membership. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen zone.
