Morocco disrupts border crossing plan toward ceuta with arrests

Morocco disrupts border crossing plan toward Ceuta with arrests

The Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson, Rachid El Khalfi, confirmed in an official statement the arrests of individuals behind a planned mass border crossing toward Ceuta. Authorities also condemned social media campaigns promoting the attempt and urged Spain to expedite the repatriation of unaccompanied minors.

Moroccan authorities have implemented comprehensive measures to prevent any illegal attempts to cross into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. This follows recent online calls and anonymous messages circulating on social media, which had called for a coordinated mass border crossing on August 15.

Speaking to the press in Rabat, Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi confirmed that security forces have already detained several individuals suspected of organizing and promoting the attempt. These suspects are currently undergoing judicial investigation under the supervision of the relevant prosecutor’s office.

The Ministry warned that such calls pose “serious risks to public safety” and constitute a violation of the law. Authorities emphasized that both participants and organizers of these campaigns will face legal consequences.

Continuous and Unrestricted Border Surveillance

The Interior Ministry stressed that security operations—coordinated by the Directorate General for National Security (DGSN)—are not limited to a specific timeline but represent an ongoing, proactive effort. This includes enhanced monitoring near Ceuta and Melilla border crossings, with security measures continuously adapted based on real-time risk assessments.

The Moroccan government has called on the public to remain vigilant and avoid being misled by misleading calls that endanger lives. Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating irregular migration strictly in accordance with the law.

Urgent Call for Cooperation on Minor Repatriation

In its official statement, the Interior Ministry emphasized that addressing irregular migration and human trafficking requires a “shared responsibility” framework. Morocco urged Spanish authorities to accelerate the repatriation of unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta back to their families in Morocco.

The statement called on Madrid to overcome administrative and judicial obstacles that delay these returns, always prioritizing the best interests of the children involved.

Rabat also reaffirmed the importance of the “immediate return” mechanism, highlighting its proven effectiveness in previous border interventions. Authorities stressed that Morocco remains committed to maintaining public order and safety while ensuring full adherence to legal procedures.