Spain began installing a new floating maritime barrier along Melilla’s southern breakwater on Thursday, Aug. 13, as authorities reinforced controls around the city and sent additional immigration officers to Ceuta following the mass crossings from Morocco in late July.
The Guardia Civil said the barrier, fitted with floating buoys, is intended to strengthen control of swimming routes from the Moroccan coast. It is similar to the 500-meter containment system installed at Ceuta’s Tarajal breakwater after the July crisis.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska meanwhile announced during a visit to Ceuta that 20 additional immigration and border officers would be deployed to speed up removal procedures, joining six specialists already working there. Another 45 public-order officers will reinforce security.
Spain now estimates about 80,000 people entered Ceuta on July 30 and 31, up from an earlier estimate of 72,000. Around 70,000 have since returned to Morocco, while thousands remain in the city.
Authorities have identified 1,898 minors and processed about 500 asylum applications, with remaining cases being assessed individually.
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