Spain and Morocco have tightened border controls due to the threat of a new influx of migrants
Spain and Morocco are stepping up border security around Ceuta amid fears of another mass influx of migrants. Calls to attempt illegal entry into the Spanish exclave in North Africa are circulating on social media.
Thousands of Spanish and Moroccan security forces have been deployed to secure the border. Authorities in both countries are preparing to prevent a possible mass crossing of people through the border barriers.
It is noted that viral posts on social media are calling for a repeat of the breach tomorrow, August 15, when Spain celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—an official national holiday and a day off in the country.
Representatives of the Spanish and Moroccan governments are monitoring the situation and coordinating joint actions.
Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson Rashid el-Khalfi confirmed on Wednesday that the country is “taking all necessary measures to counter any attempt to cross the border illegally.” Local journalists report a significant buildup of troops around the border town of Fnideq.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska visited Ceuta on Thursday to inspect the border infrastructure and the new maritime barrier. Security in the exclave has also been reinforced with an additional 300 police officers and 2,000 soldiers.
Grande-Marlaska emphasized that none of those seeking to enter Ceuta and Melilla illegally “will remain in Ceuta, none of them will reach the Iberian Peninsula, and none of them will be granted legal status.”
This was reported by Politico.
The dispute is escalating: Spain has responded to Morocco’s claims.
Spain has called on its partners not to criticize Morocco over the migration crisis — Euractiv.
As a reminder, Ceuta is preparing accommodations for at least 862 migrant minors.
Antoni Vives called the crisis in Ceuta a geopolitical signal from Morocco to Spain.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the actions of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
