Moroccan police arrest over 100 migrants heading to Spanish enclave Ceuta

A social‑media campaign that urged migrants to head for the Spanish enclave of Ceuta went viral just weeks after a surge of fatalities on the Strait of Gibraltar crossing. The campaign, promoted by a group of activists on Instagram and TikTok, highlighted “safe passage” and “legal residency” as incentives, drawing thousands of followers in a short span.

The push came amid reports that more than 200 people had drowned attempting to reach Ceuta from Morocco in the preceding month, according to the Spanish coast guard and local authorities. The campaign’s messaging emphasized the perceived security of the Spanish border and the availability of humanitarian assistance, sparking a sharp increase in attempted crossings. Spanish officials warned that the influx could strain resources and urged migrants to seek legal routes through EU member states.

Authorities in Ceuta and the Spanish government have responded by tightening border controls and increasing patrols. Human‑rights groups have called for clearer information on legal pathways and for the campaign to be scrutinized for potentially endangering lives. The situation remains fluid as both sides monitor the impact of the social‑media push on migration flows.