Migration: Trotz Netz-Aufrufen kein neuer Ansturm in Ceuta

Despite calls on online networks, there was no new surge of migrants at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Throughout the weekend, the situation remained calm. Spain and particularly Morocco had significantly strengthened their security measures in advance. Around 300 migrants who allegedly intended to reach the exclave were stopped by security forces near the city of Fnideq, about 20 kilometers away, according to media reporting based on Moroccan authorities.

This number is, however, commonplace. Spanish newspaper El Mundo assessed: "King Mohammed VI's regime has deployed such a massive security presence at the border that few Maghreb migrants have tried to reach Spain since." The relief in Ceuta was great. "The enclave breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday," reported Spanish newspapers El Correo and others in unison.

One elderly resident said on television: "We feel a stone leave our heart. Many here had great fear that chaos would repeat itself." At the end of July, estimates suggested up to 80,000 migrants reached Ceuta, most of whom returned shortly afterwards to Morocco. The impression of a largely relaxed situation was also confirmed by a dpa reporter on the ground.

Police and military were patrolling only in the city center; only in the outskirts were larger groups of young migrants seen. Also on Sunday, the situation remained calm. Moroccan security forces were present around Ceuta and along the border with the second Spanish enclave Melilla, with a large deployment preventing possible border crossings well before the border.

According to Moroccan security sources, 294 people were arrested, including 248 from countries south of the Sahara and 46 Moroccans. Additionally, at least 61 others were detained on suspicion of spreading irregular migration through social networks. Barbed wire, water cannons, and patrol boats were reinforced in Morocco, RTVE reported, with additional fences and NATO wire installed in Fnideq.

Patrol boats monitored the coast, and water cannons were positioned at the border. Numerous control points were set up on the approaches. Spain also significantly increased its security measures, with 880 officials from the National Police now deployed in Ceuta – 270 more than at the end of July. Supported by around 2,000 soldiers and over 700 personnel from the Guardia Civil's military-organized police unit.

The lack of a surge reassures the central role Morocco plays in controlling irregular migration toward Europe, as quoted by a high-ranking police official in El Pais: "It shows that Rabat can stop irregular migration when it wants." The surge before two weeks ago was unprecedented, with tens of thousands of migrants mostly swimming to Ceuta on July 30.

According to Madrid's latest official report, 83 bodies were recovered from the sea. NGOs estimate the death toll at well over a hundred. Most of the arrivals returned to Morocco within hours or days. According to Inland Minister Grande-Marlaska, around 5,000 migrants currently remain in Ceuta. It will take some time for the enclave to return to normal, he acknowledged.