On Aug. 15, Moroccan authorities detained about 111 migrants near Fnideq, roughly two miles from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Local police bused the intercepted group back to other regions, according to media reports. The move comes weeks after a massive crossing of more than 60,000 people — an event that left at least 57 dead — and follows a Spanish Supreme Court ruling limiting repatriation of migrants already inside Spain. Spain's Civil Guard had warned that social media calls were circulating for another coordinated crossing.
Morocco Detains About 111 Migrants Near Fnideq After Attempted Crossing Into Ceuta
Thousands of people attempted to cross into Ceuta last month, overwhelming local authorities. On Saturday, Moroccan officials said they detained 111 attempting to cross. Photo by Jalal Morchidi/EPA
On Aug. 15, Moroccan authorities intercepted and detained roughly 111 migrants near the town of Fnideq, about two miles from the Spanish border enclave of Ceuta, authorities and media reported.
Local police arranged buses to return the group to other parts of Morocco after the interception, El País and other outlets said. Officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to prevent irregular crossings into Ceuta.
This incident follows a much larger movement of people weeks earlier, when more than 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta in a short period, overwhelming the tiny territory. At least 57 people died during that mass crossing.
Moroccan and Spanish authorities linked the recent attempts to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that restricts the repatriation of migrants who are already inside Spanish territory. Spain’s Civil Guard had warned earlier in the week that social media messages appeared to be calling for another coordinated crossing on Aug. 15, prompting heightened vigilance along the border.
Context
Ceuta is one of two Spanish exclaves on the North African coast and has been a focal point for migration from Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Spanish and Moroccan authorities have cooperated at times to manage flows, but legal rulings and social media-driven mobilization have complicated enforcement and humanitarian responses.
What officials say: Moroccan authorities say the interception was peaceful and that those detained were transported to other regions. Spanish Civil Guard warnings followed reports of social media calls for mass movements toward the border.
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