Moroccan authorities apprehended over 100 individuals on Saturday during an attempt to breach into Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa. The heightened security measures were in response to social media calls for another mass migrant influx, coming just two weeks after a surge of 72,000 migrants into Ceuta, which resulted in the loss of at least 96 lives.

According to a source from Morocco’s Interior Ministry, the detainees included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals detained in or near Fnideq, the Moroccan city facing Ceuta. Reports from Spanish news agency EFE indicated that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, with a significant police presence observed in the vicinity.

In Ceuta, Spanish troops safeguarded supermarkets while police maintained a heavy presence on the streets following the recent turmoil. In response to the situation, Madrid installed a maritime barrier and dispatched over 500 additional police personnel from mainland Spain to reinforce security in Ceuta.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restoring order and preventing future incidents like the one on July 30. Around 5,000 migrants were reported to still be present in Ceuta, with efforts in place to ensure that irregular entries are not permitted to stay in the enclave.

Moroccan authorities also took proactive measures to prevent potential mass crossings by closely monitoring the border and implementing security measures in cities like Casablanca, Fez, and Kenitra. Despite these efforts, some migrants managed to evade checkpoints by taking alternative routes through mountainous terrain towards Fnideq.

The sentiments of caution and discouragement were echoed by migrants who had previously attempted the crossing, highlighting the risks and challenges involved. The situation remains tense as authorities on both sides continue to address the complex issues surrounding migration in the region.