Phoenix 24
Security forces intercepted more than 100 people near Castillejos after online messages encouraged another coordinated movement toward the Spanish enclave.
CASTILLEJOS, Morocco — August 2026. Moroccan security forces prevented a new group of migrants from reaching the border with Ceuta on Saturday, following calls on social media for another mass crossing into the Spanish territory.
Most of those intercepted were migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who had gathered near Castillejos—known in Morocco as Fnideq—the coastal city located next to Ceuta.
Moroccan police detained at least 111 people during operations conducted around the city and along routes leading toward the border, according to preliminary reports.
One group of approximately 61 migrants was surrounded around three kilometers from the frontier and placed on buses to be removed from the area. Authorities also established checkpoints to stop additional groups from traveling north.
Riot police used tear gas and batons to disperse some of those attempting to approach the border perimeter. Security units, patrol vehicles and crowd-control equipment remained deployed throughout the operation.
Moroccan officials also ordered journalists from Spain’s EFE news agency and public broadcaster TVE to leave Castillejos, reportedly warning that their equipment and professional credentials could be confiscated if they remained.
Spain reinforced security in Ceuta by deploying more than 500 additional officers, strengthening maritime surveillance and installing a floating barrier along part of the coastal frontier.
The mobilization followed the unprecedented crossing recorded two weeks earlier, when tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta by land and sea. The incident overwhelmed local services, left dozens dead and triggered a wider political dispute within the European Union.
Thousands of migrants are still believed to be in Ceuta, where reception centers and local institutions continue to face severe humanitarian and logistical pressure.
Although Saturday’s operation prevented another large-scale entry, the continued movement of people toward the border shows that migration pressure, online mobilization and the absence of safe routes remain unresolved.
The truth is not imposed: it is demonstrated.