Moroccan authorities apprehended over 100 individuals on Saturday as they attempted to enter Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. The heightened security measures followed social media calls for another mass migrant crossing, coming just two weeks after a surge of over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, leading to tensions within the European Union.

Among those arrested were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens near Fnideq, the Moroccan city facing Ceuta. Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse migrant groups near the border, with a significant police presence observed in the area.

In response to the situation, Spanish soldiers guarded key locations in Ceuta, and police maintained a strong presence in the city. Madrid reinforced security with additional personnel and a maritime barrier, bringing the total number of officers in Ceuta to over 1,600.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the commitment to restoring normalcy and preventing future incidents like the recent mass crossing. He stated that irregular migrants would not be allowed to remain in Ceuta or travel to mainland Spain, except in exceptional cases of extreme vulnerability.

Moroccan authorities took preventive measures to deter potential crossings, including blocking groups from departing to northern Morocco and strengthening security checkpoints. Reports also mentioned increased security near Spain’s other enclave, Melilla.

Facing a humanitarian crisis, some migrants already in Ceuta advised against further attempts to cross, warning of the challenges and risks involved. The recent surge in border crossings was attributed to organized efforts, with individuals coordinating to find strength in numbers for their journey.