Key facts
- Spanish police began an operation to clear thousands of migrants from beaches in Ceuta.
Spanish police and military began an operation to clear thousands of migrants from beaches in the North African enclave of Ceuta. Authorities aim to move some migrants into new temporary housing, though NGOs state the facilities are insufficient for the estimated 4,000 remaining unhoused.
The operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Spain in managing irregular migration flows and the strain on resources for accommodating asylum seekers, with NGOs warning of insufficient shelter and potential humanitarian concerns.
Spanish riot police and military personnel began an operation on Friday to clear thousands of migrants from beaches in the North African enclave of Ceuta. The authorities are moving some migrants into new temporary housing facilities located within the port. Spain estimates that around 10,000 migrants remain in the territory, with over 72,000 having crossed from Morocco at the end of July in an unprecedented border rush, though most have since departed.
The new temporary housing can accommodate 1,700 people. However, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) report that thousands of migrants remain unhoused and are sleeping in makeshift camps. NGOs estimate that approximately 4,000 migrants are still outdoors on Ceuta's beaches and pavements, suggesting the new center will not be sufficient to clear public areas.
The operation commenced shortly before 7 a.m. local time. While migrants initially welcomed the prospect of shelter, tensions arose due to the limited availability of places, leading to tussles. Footage showed crowding and jostling, with police firing rubber bullets into the air and using batons before the situation stabilized. Migrants, predominantly adult men and boys, were then escorted along a route to the port. Minors are being housed separately from adult men.