Spain reinforces Ceuta as authorities prepare for possible repeat of migrant surge

Spain is strengthening security measures in the autonomous city of Ceuta amid concerns over a possible new mass influx of undocumented migrants following a major border crisis in late July.

Reports circulating on social media have suggested that another mass attempt to cross into Ceuta could take place on August 15. In response, Spain’s Interior and Defence ministries have gradually increased their forces in the city, bringing the deployment to nearly 300 riot police officers and around 2,000 military personnel, Spanish media reports. 

Sources in the Civil Guard told local media that a new influx is unlikely to reach the scale of the crisis at the end of July, given the number of personnel and resources now deployed.

Authorities have also reinforced Ceuta’s border with a special maritime barrier.

“We will be ready,” sources at the Interior Ministry said.

An additional 160 Civil Guard officers have been sent to the city, while a fleet of drones is due to begin surveillance operations this weekend.

Although August 15 has been widely discussed on social media as a possible date for a new attempt, authorities plan to closely monitor the situation from early next week. Officials also warned that organisers could bring forward any planned attempt if they anticipate a heavy security presence on August 15.

In late July, tens of thousands of undocumented migrants reached Ceuta by swimming and on foot, bypassing the breakwater separating the Spanish territory from Morocco. The scale of the influx prompted Spanish authorities to deploy military personnel to assist with security operations.

The vast majority of those who entered Ceuta have since returned to Morocco.

By Sabina Mammadli