Spanish police launched a major operation Friday to move Ceuta migrants from makeshift camps on beaches to a temporary reception facility at the port.
Around 150 police officers took part in the operation, which also involved Spanish military and Civil Guard units. Authorities began moving people from the Benítez and El Trampolín beaches early in the morning.
The operation became tense at several points. Crowds surged as migrants tried to move through police lines, prompting officers to fire warning shots into the air and use other crowd-control measures. Several people were reportedly injured during the chaos.
Why Are Ceuta Migrants Being Moved?
The operation follows a huge migration surge into Ceuta in late July.
More than 72,000 people crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco during the border rush. Most later left, but thousands remained in Ceuta and many were living in makeshift camps.
Spanish authorities say temporary facilities are needed to provide safer accommodation and manage the large number of people still in the territory.
At the same time, humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the number of migrants who remain without proper shelter.
Migrants Taken to Port Reception Centre
Authorities escorted migrants along the seafront toward a newly established reception facility inside the port area.
The temporary centre has capacity for about 1,700 adult men. Officials organized migrants into smaller groups before allowing them into the facility for registration and processing.
However, the available space is far below the number of migrants still requiring accommodation.
As a result, thousands could remain without a place at the temporary centre.
Police Face Tense Moments
The relocation initially proceeded in an organized manner. However, tension increased when large groups tried to move forward at once.
According to reports from the scene, a crowd surge forced police to intervene. Officers fired warning shots into the air and used batons and other measures to regain control.
Police also blocked access to parts of the beaches while they organized the transfer.
Meanwhile, authorities continued directing migrants toward the port facility in smaller groups.
Children Separated From Adult Groups
The operation also involved children who were found among the migrants being transferred.
Officials removed several minors from the adult group because the new reception facility is designed primarily for adult men. Authorities have yet to establish enough additional space for all minors remaining in Ceuta.
The situation adds another challenge for officials as they attempt to manage the large migrant population.
Thousands Still Need Shelter
Although the beach operation moved thousands of people, it did not resolve the wider accommodation problem.
Spain estimates that around 10,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. NGOs say thousands are still sleeping outdoors in makeshift camps on beaches and elsewhere in the territory.
Therefore, the temporary port facility can only provide a partial solution.
Authorities may need additional accommodation as they continue processing asylum claims and other cases.
Ceuta Migration Crisis Continues
Ceuta’s latest operation highlights the continuing pressure created by the July border surge.
The Spanish enclave, located on the North African coast, has faced a major humanitarian and logistical challenge since tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco.
For now, authorities are focusing on moving people away from the beaches and into more organized facilities.
However, with thousands still needing shelter, the Ceuta migrants situation remains unresolved. Further measures will likely be needed as Spain works to manage accommodation, registration and asylum procedures.
