Spain and Morocco fortify Ceuta border as social media calls urge new mass rush for Saturday

Social media calls trigger mobilization

Messages circulating on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups have urged migrants in Morocco to attempt another mass border breach on Saturday, August 15, a public holiday in Spain. The posts claim the Ceuta border will be "opened" on that date. Spanish intelligence service CNI and the government in Madrid are taking the calls seriously. Moroccan authorities have arrested several people suspected of spreading false information and inciting new attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla. Some online discussions have already floated moving the planned rush to August 18 or 23, partly in response to the Moroccan security buildup.

Security forces deployed on both sides

Spain has raised its National Police contingent in Ceuta to nearly 900, about 300 more than on July 30, and deployed over 700 Guardia Civil officers. According to El País, local police numbers were increased from 1,100 to 1,600, a 42 percent rise, with 2,000 soldiers sent as reinforcement. Soldiers in combat fatigues stood watch outside supermarkets and official buildings on Friday evening. The UPR special unit, divers from the GEAS underwater team, and a navy frigate have been positioned along the coast. Morocco has reinforced the border with hundreds of security personnel, new razor wire on fences, water cannon vehicles, and patrol boats. The border town of Fnideq has been turned into a security zone, with identity checks conducted on roads leading to the area.

Previous rush and its aftermath

On July 30, tens of thousands of migrants, mainly young Moroccans, rushed into Ceuta by swimming around the Tarajal breakwater from Fnideq beach. The death toll varies by source: Reuters reports at least 96 dead, tagesschau more than 80, and Die Welt nearly 100. The number who entered also varies: over 72,000 per Spanish government estimates (Reuters), more than 70,000 (tagesschau, Die Welt), and up to 80,000 (watson, FAZ). The vast majority voluntarily returned to Morocco shortly after.

Migrants still in Ceuta

Two weeks after the rush, thousands remain in Ceuta. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska puts the figure at about 5,000, while Regional President Juan Jesús Vivas says at least 9,000, calling it a 12 percent population increase for the enclave of nearly 84,000 residents. The tagesschau reports Vivas citing up to 12,000.

Ceuta can no longer wait. Ceuta cannot withstand this burden any longer.

Nearly 1,900 unaccompanied minors have been registered. Save the Children warned of a humanitarian crisis, citing children as young as seven on the streets alongside an estimated 2,000 other children without protection. Neighborhood associations put the number of minors even higher, at 4,000. Authorities have processed more than 500 asylum claims, most rejected. Nine migrants have been arrested in Ceuta since late July, two expelled, and three face rape accusations.

Officials warn against new attempt

Grande-Marlaska told reporters in Ceuta on Thursday that people who entered irregularly would not be allowed to stay, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status, except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability.

I tell you this so that you don't listen to the mafia groups that are playing with your lives. None of you will stay, none of you will reach the mainland, none of you will obtain a legal residence status.

Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesman Rachid el Jalfi said the social media calls posed serious risks to people's safety and warned that participants and organisers would be prosecuted under Moroccan law.

All necessary measures have been taken to prevent any attempt at illegal border crossing and to intercept any person who tries to participate in it.