Police clear Ceuta migrants off beaches in Spanish enclave
Spanish police have begun clearing thousands of migrants from beaches in Ceuta after a July surge in which about 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave. Riot officers used rubber bullets fired into the air and struck people with batons as an operation began early Friday to move migrants into temporary accommodation.
Why It Matters
Ceuta has been at the center of a high-profile migration episode that strained local resources and prompted debate across Europe; images of the crossings have influenced political discourse and been cited as boosting support for far-right parties. How Spanish and EU authorities manage the remaining migrants will shape ongoing discussions about border control and returns.
Key Facts
- Date of operation start: Shortly before 7am local time on Friday (05:00 GMT)
- Total who entered in July: About 72,000 people
- Estimated remaining in Ceuta: At least 10,000 migrants
- New temporary capacity in port: 1,700 people
- Enclave area: 18.5 square kilometres (7.2 sq miles)
Spanish police launched an operation on Friday to clear migrants from Ceuta's beaches, using riot officers who fired rubber bullets into the air and struck people with batons as they moved groups away from coastal encampments. Authorities began the action shortly before 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), carrying out transfers to newly built temporary housing inside the enclave's port.
The operation follows an unprecedented border surge at the end of July when around 72,000 people crossed from neighbouring Morocco into the 18.5 square kilometre Spanish territory. Spanish estimates indicate roughly 10,000 migrants remain in Ceuta after most of the arrivals later left the enclave.
Local officials have placed some migrants in tents near the port; AFP reported those facilities include showers and beds. Spanish authorities say new temporary housing inside the port can accommodate 1,700 people, but NGOs report that thousands of migrants remain without shelter and have been sleeping rough in camps around the enclave.
Ceuta, which has an official population of about 80,000 and has been under Spanish control since 1580, is one of two Spanish territories on the North African coast alongside Melilla. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner warned that broadcast images of the Ceuta crossings have amplified support for far-right parties despite an overall decline in irregular arrivals to Europe, and he urged swift returns to demonstrate control. Separately, Spain's national football coach Luis de la Fuente posted a video from Ceuta on Friday when announcing his Nations League squad as a gesture of support for the enclave.
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