The Moroccan navy has beefed up its maritime surveillance near Ceuta, aiming to curb potential migrant departures from its coasts. This follows recent incidents where unaccompanied minors swam to the Spanish enclave. Police sources cited by EFE news agency reported the permanent deployment of a Moroccan patrol boat to the Benzú border dike and increased control at the Tarajal border. Rough weather conditions in recent weeks have seen nearly 135 people, including 57 Moroccan minors, arrive by sea in Ceuta. On February 2nd, the local Spanish government declared a migration emergency after over 30 minors crossed the border within two days. Since January 1st, 2024, a total of 69 unaccompanied minors have reached the enclave. This emergency measure allows local authorities to seek assistance from the Ministry of Children and Youth and other municipalities in Spain. The goal is to relocate some of the over 180 unaccompanied foreign minors currently housed in Ceuta's reception centers to the mainland.
