Authorities in Ceuta have dismantled the migrant camp at El Trampolín beach. Over 1,800 people were transferred to controlled shelters. The government plans to open more spaces for those still in the city.
Spanish authorities have dismantled the sprawling migrant camp at El Trampolín beach in Ceuta, relocating 1,800 people to newly prepared shelters. The operation, led by the Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil, began at dawn and targeted the makeshift settlement where around 3,500 migrants had been living since the mass sea crossing at the end of July. The government’s move comes after weeks of mounting pressure to address the humanitarian risks posed by hundreds sleeping outdoors, exposed to harsh weather.
From early morning, police and civil guards coordinated with NGOs such as Engloba and Accem to organize the evacuation. Migrants were grouped by language to ensure clear communication about the relocation plan. The authorities prioritized voluntary compliance, aiming to persuade people to move to the new reception centers set up by the central government. According to Elma Saiz, Minister of Migrations, the two new facilities can currently accommodate 1,800 people, but further expansion is expected soon to house those still remaining in Ceuta.
The first groups to leave the beach included both sub-Saharan and Maghrebi migrants. Around 1,200 sub-Saharan nationals were transferred to a military site in Loma Margarita, while approximately 200 Maghrebis were taken to a separate area in Loma Colmenar, near the El Tarajal border. The operation also covered migrants previously camped in the Loma Colmenar area. Police maintained a visible presence at both sites, ensuring order as people arrived and settled in the new shelters.
Officials cited humanitarian reasons for the clearance, noting that the open-air camp had left many vulnerable to the elements. As the evacuation progressed, many migrants left the beach cheering and waving to journalists and police. By midday, most tents on the sand stood empty. However, the local government had to temporarily halt beach cleaning when dozens of migrants returned, apparently searching for personal belongings left behind.
At the new reception sites, migrants found basic amenities including cots, dining tables, toilets, water, and psychosocial support. Entry was managed through a pre-registration process, collecting essential information from each person. In Loma Margarita, groups waited in the shade under metal structures, while in Loma Colmenar, Maghrebi migrants sat on the ground under police supervision. The government has indicated that additional resources will be made available soon to accommodate the remaining migrants in the city.
This large-scale relocation in Ceuta highlights the ongoing challenges Spain faces in managing irregular migration at its borders. The situation in Ceuta is part of a broader pattern of migration pressures across southern Europe, with authorities balancing humanitarian needs and border control. For context, recent incidents elsewhere in Spain have also drawn attention to the intersection of public safety and emergency response, such as when a forest fire in Girona was traced to an illegal campfire, leading to the arrest of a woman for causing the blaze—an event detailed in this report on the Girona wildfire incident.
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to enter Europe. The city’s proximity to Morocco and its status as an EU border make it a frequent destination for sea crossings and mass arrivals. Spanish authorities regularly coordinate with NGOs and local agencies to provide emergency shelter and support, but the scale of recent arrivals has strained available resources. The government’s current strategy involves expanding temporary accommodation and improving coordination between agencies to manage both immediate needs and longer-term integration challenges. The situation remains fluid, with further measures expected as authorities respond to evolving migration flows and humanitarian demands.
