Spain braces for another feared Ceuta ‘invasion’ as 324 extra police deploy

Hundreds of extra officers are being sent to Ceuta and Melilla as authorities prepare for a new call to cross from Morocco on Wednesday, September 23.

Spain is reinforcing its borders with Morocco as 324 additional riot police are mobilised ahead of calls for another attempt to enter Ceuta on Wednesday.

The security operation follows messages circulating on social media encouraging people to head towards the border on September 23, the same day Morocco holds legislative elections. According to Spanish media reports, Policía Nacional has activated 180 officers while the Guardia Civil has mobilised another 144.

Authorities are taking the warning seriously after the extraordinary events of July 30, but there is currently no certainty that another large crossing will actually happen.

Spain prepares for Wednesday

Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska confirmed that security was being reinforced in both Ceuta and Melilla following the latest online calls. Authorities are also monitoring social media and intelligence surrounding the proposed crossing.

Spain has been speaking directly with Morocco. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said his Moroccan counterpart, Naser Burita, had given assurances that Morocco would take measures intended to prevent another mass entry on September 23.

The two ministers are expected to meet in New York this week, with the continuing situation in Ceuta and possible returns of people who crossed during the July events among the issues expected to be discussed.

For readers wanting the background to the crisis, Euro Weekly News has a full Ceuta explainer covering what happened, why the Spanish territory matters and the questions still facing Spain.

Ceuta is still dealing with July

The new alert comes while Ceuta continues to deal with thousands of people who remained following the July 30 crossing. Authorities are still working through identification procedures, accommodation and individual cases involving possible international protection or return.

The pressure became visible again last week when the opening of a temporary accommodation facility descended into chaotic scenes as crowds rushed towards the site amid fears that places would run out.

Euro Weekly News reported what happened in Spain’s answer to the Ceuta crisis opens in chaos as police struggle to contain rush.

Will anything happen on Wednesday?

That remains the unanswered question. Previous online calls have failed to produce anything approaching the events of July, and the current deployment is preventive rather than evidence that another mass crossing is certain.

But after what happened this summer, Spanish authorities are unwilling to take chances. More than 300 additional officers are being mobilised and security services are monitoring developments closely.

For Ceuta, Wednesday will reveal whether the latest online call fades away or once again turns into pressure at the border.