Moroccan police arrested 111 people on Saturday as they attempted to enter Spain’s north African territory of Ceuta. The arrests occurred amid heightened security on both sides of the border, following social media calls for another mass crossing into the Spanish enclave.

This latest attempt comes just two weeks after a surge of over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, creating diplomatic tensions within the European Union and fueling anti-immigration sentiment globally. The previous incident resulted in at least 96 migrant deaths as they attempted to reach European soil.

A source from Morocco’s interior ministry reported that the detained individuals comprised 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens. The detentions took place in or around Fnideq, the Moroccan city adjacent to Ceuta. Spanish news agency EFE reported that Moroccan police used teargas to disperse groups of migrants who had gathered on hills approximately 3 kilometers from the border.

Following the dispersal, hundreds of Moroccan police officers, some in riot gear and others in plainclothes, were observed returning from the hills outside Fnideq. Reports from EFE and Spanish state broadcaster TVE indicated that Morocco’s interior ministry ordered journalists to leave Fnideq immediately, without providing a reason.

In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers were seen guarding supermarkets, and police patrolled the main streets. The city appeared calmer compared to the days following the deadly crossing attempt on July 30. Since that event, Spain has reinforced its border security by installing a maritime barrier and deploying over 500 additional police officers from mainland Spain, bringing the total security personnel in Ceuta to more than 1,600.

Spain's interior minister stated that the reinforcements would remain in place for as long as necessary. The ministry indicated a commitment to deploying whatever personnel are required to restore normality and prevent a recurrence of the events of July 30. The increased security measures reflect the ongoing challenges of managing migration flows into European territories from North Africa.

The events highlight the precarious situation faced by migrants attempting perilous journeys and the complex security and humanitarian challenges confronting both Morocco and Spain. International organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, expressing concerns about the safety and rights of migrants.

Further details on the long-term strategies for border management and migrant welfare remain to be seen, as both nations navigate the implications of these repeated migration attempts.