Spain mobilises 324 riot officers in Ceuta ahead of Moroccan election day

Security deployment on the border

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior placed all public order units in Ceuta on high alert from Saturday through Wednesday to counter coordinated border entry attempts coinciding with Morocco's legislative elections on 23 September. A total of 324 officers from the National Police and Guardia Civil were mobilized with cancelled leave. The contingent comprises 180 National Police officers from the Intervention and Prevention units (UIP and UPR) and 144 Guardia Civil officers from Reserve and Security Groups (GRS). The deployment contrasts with 31 July, when only five agents were stationed at the fence. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska also dispatched three GRS platoons, including 63 Guardia Civil agents, to Melilla. Across the border, Moroccan authorities deployed at least 3,000 police and military personnel, installing metallic barriers into the sea to block swimming routes.

Bilateral talks and migrant repatriation

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares travelled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly to hold the first face-to-face meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita since the July border crisis. Bilateral talks center on repatriating irregular migrants who entered Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, when between 75,000 and 85,000 people crossed according to police reports submitted to the National Court. Although 90% of entrants returned, more than 10,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. This figure includes roughly 3,000 minors, with 2,100 placed in official care and the remainder living on streets. Moroccan authorities indicated in writing their willingness to readmit minors once processing completes.

The return of irregular migrants who are still in Ceuta will be an important part of our conversation. We agreed to meet in person to have a calm, quiet conversation and dedicate the necessary time to it.

Countering online crossing campaigns

Spanish and Moroccan agencies established joint intelligence monitoring to track social media campaigns encouraging border crossings. Facebook groups with up to 90,000 members shared itineraries and slogans such as "A single objective" and "Mass crossing on the 23rd", claiming Moroccan security forces would be distracted by the election. The Spanish Embassy in Rabat published notices stating that irregular entry provides no pathway to residency or onward European travel, clarifying that Supreme Court rulings do not invalidate border rejections.

We ask everyone to trust only real information. Do not follow the advice of social networks. You will not be able to stay if you enter Ceuta. Do not risk your money and your life, do not put yourselves in the hands of mafias that are deceiving you.

Local unrest and ministerial visits

Grande-Marlaska visited Ceuta to review border security alongside European External Action Service and Moroccan intelligence channels. Demonstrators gathered at Plaza de los Reyes to heckle the minister and demand his resignation. The visit followed a weekend demonstration called by the Federation of Neighborhood Associations in Tarajal, where clashes erupted and stone-throwing damaged the car of Ceuta Ya! lawmaker Julia Ferreras. Spanish officials noted that previous crossing calls on 15 August and 20 September failed to produce border movements.