Morocco Tightens Grip: Algerian Migrants Face Heightened Security at Ceuta Border

Intensive security reinforcement to control any movement of Algerians wishing to migrate to the city of Ceuta. This is the observation made by the website Al3omk. The implementation of this measure follows the detection of calls to organize attempts of illegal immigration to Ceuta by Algerian candidates present in Morocco, particularly during nights marked by poor weather conditions. A time when they sneak in by swimming and avoid security surveillance.

The maritime border strip separating the towns of Fnideq and Ceuta remained on alert during the summer, after the execution of hundreds of attempts of illegal maritime migration in difficult climatic conditions, characterized by a thick fog almost completely reducing visibility. In total, 300 attempts of illegal migration were recorded in a single night during the month of August last. According to local media in Ceuta, dozens of young people, including minors and girls, threw themselves into the sea, during the summer, from the beaches of Fnideq towards Ceuta. To achieve their goal, some used rudimentary flotation tools. Some of them were able to reach the Spanish coasts before being intercepted by the Guardia Civil and the Royal Moroccan Navy.

Some of the migrants, particularly minors, did not use the temporary reception centers in Ceuta. They preferred to hide with families or in private homes, waiting for an opportunity to leave the city illegally towards Spain or other European countries. Moreover, there are groups on the WhatsApp application that coordinate these collective attempts of swimming migration. In total, 156 candidates for illegal migration were arrested at the end of July in the town of Fnideq. Among them were 24 Algerians and 59 minors. They were transferred to the reception center in M’diq. The Spanish Guardia Civil handed over 12 other migrants to the Moroccan authorities. The handover operations continue in batches.