Morocco has deployed hundreds of troops and police officers to its border with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, citing fears of an imminent migrant "invasion." This move comes as authorities anticipate a potential surge in arrivals, reminiscent of the crisis in late July when an estimated 72,000 migrants reached Ceuta.
During the previous influx, which lasted 48 hours, many migrants swam around border fences. The situation led Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, to declare a humanitarian emergency due to the enclave being overwhelmed. While most migrants who entered Ceuta have since been returned, Moroccan authorities are preparing for potential renewed attempts at crossing, with online forums suggesting August 15, a Spanish public holiday, as a possible date for organized crossings. Barbed wire has also been observed being installed on the Moroccan side of the fences.
Rachid el-Jalfi, a spokesperson for Morocco's Ministry of the Interior, stated that all necessary measures are in place to prevent illegal crossings and intercept participants. He urged potential migrants to disregard deceptive online messages and highlighted the serious risks involved. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska echoed these warnings, advising migrants against listening to exploitative groups and emphasizing that those who attempt to enter will not be granted legal status or allowed to remain.
Spain has also reinforced its border presence. Since the late July crisis, the number of police and Civil Guard officers has increased from approximately 1,100 to nearly 1,600. Additionally, 2,000 Spanish soldiers have been reassigned to support roles. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the mass crossing as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and attributed the crisis to criminal gangs exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling. This ruling, made in July, altered the procedure for returning illegal migrants, specifying that it only applied if a physical border was breached, not if migrants arrived by sea. While returns are still possible for those crossing maritime borders, they require a separate formal procedure.
In response to the July crisis, which began on July 30, Spain's government announced the establishment of a maritime containment barrier, with construction commencing on August 1. The situation also caused diplomatic friction within the European Union. Italy, citing security concerns, suspended its Schengen arrangements with Spain for one month starting July 31, requiring checks on travelers from Spain. This move was met with strong criticism from Spain, which summoned the Italian ambassador and subsequently suspended its own Schengen arrangements with Italy. Other EU nations, including Denmark and Finland, considered similar measures, while France and Portugal increased their border security.
Spain is currently processing and housing migrants awaiting deportation in warehouses in Ceuta, including facilities in Tarajal near the Moroccan border. Efforts are underway to return migrants within 72 hours of their identification and processing. The situation has been compounded by reports of alleged rapes of young migrant girls arriving in Ceuta, with some incidents reportedly prevented by local intervention. The Ceuta Prosecutor's Office has opened preliminary proceedings into some cases, though no arrests have been made yet.
Authorities have repurposed two educational centers to house unaccompanied minors, with one facility dedicated to girls and teenagers and another for both young men and minors. Additional shelters are being prepared in the port area and Loma Margarita to ensure school facilities are available for the September term. Spain's Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego reported that 1,342 unaccompanied migrant minors had been registered in Ceuta following the influx, with aid groups warning of the risks of abuse and exploitation for minors sleeping on the streets.