Ceuta on High Alert Ahead of Reported September 23 Border Crossing Call

CEUTA, Spain — Spanish forces are patrolling the border in Ceuta as authorities prepare for a reportedly planned call on social media urging migrants to cross from Morocco into Spanish territory on September 23.

Madrid says it is taking preventive measures to stop another mass entry before it begins. The authorities have not specified what those measures involve, while Ceuta remains under heightened security alert.

Spain and Morocco in contact

Spain’s foreign minister said he remains in frequent contact with his Moroccan counterpart as the two sides respond to concerns over a possible new crossing attempt.

Authorities are also working to counter what they describe as online disinformation. Officials said the latest social-media messages appear to be having less impact, although security preparations remain in place.

The reported call follows a major border crisis on July 30 and 31, when more than 70,000 people entered Spanish territory by swimming around the border fence, according to the report.

Most of those who entered during that episode were later returned, while several thousand reportedly remain in Spanish territory.

Planned crossing remains unconfirmed

The September 23 mobilization has been reported as a planned social-media call, but there is no confirmation that it took place. The organizers have not been identified, and authorities have not provided details about the platforms or messages involved.

For now, Spanish forces continue border patrols while Madrid maintains that it is acting to prevent another mass entry. Officials’ assessment that the latest messages are having less impact has not changed Ceuta’s high-alert status.