The Alawite Kingdom has showcased its firm grip on the border separating Morocco and Spain in Ceuta this Saturday. Following an increase in surveillance around the El Tarajal jetty—where over a month ago, at least 141 individuals tragically drowned or were crushed, according to humanitarian organizations—a robust security apparatus has effectively blocked the passage of hundreds of sub-Saharan migrants attempting to enter the autonomous city illegally. Thousands of gendarmes, supported by speedboats, helicopters, drones, and dogs, have aggressively confronted these migrants, even resorting to tear gas. While residents of Ceuta held their breath in fear of another surge of migrants, Moroccan authorities reported detaining numerous individuals attempting to cross into Spain: 111 migrants by 2:30 PM; 148 just an hour later; and nearly 300 by 6 PM.
Police Unions Praise Moroccan Actions, Warn Spain Must Be Prepared
The local residents of Ceuta, colloquially known as 'caballas', refer to the thick fog that forms on their beaches due to the Levante wind as _taró_. This fog significantly reduces visibility along the coast, creating ideal conditions for migrants attempting to swim into the city undetected by the Civil Guard. The day—and even the early morning—was marked by _taró_, which could have prompted a renewed call for a mass entry that had been circulating on social media for days. However, the residents of Ceuta, who woke up to an unprecedented police reinforcement in the city, explained that it is not the dense fog that determines the permeability of their border, but rather the neighboring country. Based on what they had seen in the media—how Morocco had militarized its side of the border this time—there was a sense that “little would happen.” The caballas, it seems, are quite perceptive.
It wasn't until nearly noon that news reached Ceuta, which had experienced a completely normal morning. At the border crossing, where migrants continue to voluntarily leave, having accepted that Spain will not take them in, riot vans, Civil Guard vehicles, and military trucks had been deployed. This was a greater presence than usual, yet there was no movement. The peace remained unbroken, not even by a siren.
Calm in the City Due to Unprecedented Deployment Preventing Migrants from Approaching the Border
Moroccan security sources opted to act three kilometers from El Tarajal, on a mountain on the outskirts of Fnideq (Castillejos), blocking the path of hundreds of sub-Saharan migrants. Unlike the over 70,000 who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, this time only a minority were Moroccan. This distinction is crucial to understanding the strict police response against black migrants. Informal sources from Rabat reported that their security forces had detained a total of 294 people, who were then placed in groups onto buses. Humanitarian organizations have long claimed that detained sub-Saharans are transported hundreds of kilometers away to remote locations in the country. Additionally, 61 individuals were arrested under suspicion of “inciting and promoting” irregular migration on social media, although no specifics were provided regarding when or where these incidents occurred. Furthermore, they announced that they would now conduct “permanent” operations of “informational surveillance” to “stop all those involved in digital incitement to mass migration.”
The gendarmes also expelled teams from EFE and TVE agencies from Fnideq, who were covering the situation. According to reports, the hotels where the journalists were staying informed them that they had received orders from local authorities to vacate the premises immediately.
The Ministry of Interior has focused all eyes on Ceuta, while also keeping a watchful eye on Melilla, where police reinforcements were present due to the possibility of irregular entries. Police unions such as the SUP have celebrated the thwarted crossing thanks to the deployed measures but caution that while “Morocco has prevented it,” “Spain must be prepared for when it does not.”
On the other side of the fence, in the neighborhoods on the outskirts of Ceuta, time seemed to stand still due to the August 15 holiday. At Trampolín Beach, migrants continued to inhabit over 80 makeshift huts made of reeds while waiting for a space in the Temporary Immigration Stay Center (CETI). The camp, with plastic roofs hastily constructed by residents of El Príncipe to protect underage girls, remains congested. The central government has announced that a “large team” from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration will travel to Ceuta to urgently address the establishment of several provisional reception centers for the thousands of migrants still scattered throughout the city. The government intends to gradually activate several facilities, aiming for at least two, with a combined capacity nearing one thousand people, to be operational by the following week. The primary issue, according to the Ministry? Finding suitable space amid local opposition to potential locations.
As reported by lavanguardia.com.
