Ceuta police dismantled a large migrant camp near Loma Colmenar after clashes erupted. Officers fired warning shots to restore order. Hundreds were relocated as authorities managed the aftermath.
Police in Ceuta intervened early Monday to dismantle a makeshift migrant camp that had formed next to the Loma Colmenar reception centre. The operation followed a morning of escalating tension, as hundreds of migrants gathered outside the facility, hoping for entry. According to local sources, officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air to break up violent confrontations that erupted among the migrants as new arrivals attempted to join the queue.
The unrest began around 8 a.m., when staff at the Loma Colmenar centre, which operates under the Ministry of Migrations, started admitting additional migrants. The sudden influx triggered a surge from other parts of the city, overwhelming any attempt at orderly processing. Rafael García, president of the Loma Colmenar neighbourhood association, described the situation as chaotic, with the usual line system collapsing and physical strength determining who advanced.
Loma Colmenar, along with Loma Margarita, was among the first sites designated by the government to shelter migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly during the mass crossings at the end of July. The city has since expanded its emergency accommodation capacity to 3,300 places, as confirmed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The breakdown includes 1,200 spots at Loma Colmenar, 1,300 at Loma Margarita, 500 to 600 through the extension of the Temporary Stay Centre for Immigrants, and 320 at the Hípica facility, which is reserved for women and children.
After the police intervention, municipal workers moved in to clear the debris and waste left behind by the camp’s dismantling. Neighbourhood representatives reported that approximately 800 migrants were admitted to the Loma Colmenar centre, while the remainder were dispersed to other locations across the city. The rapid escalation of the situation highlights the ongoing strain on Ceuta’s resources and the challenges of managing large-scale arrivals.
This latest incident comes as Spanish authorities intensify efforts to streamline migrant processing in Ceuta. Recently, Spain formally requested support from EU agencies to accelerate identification and asylum procedures, a move detailed in a recent report on Spain’s appeal for Frontex and Europol assistance. The city’s proximity to Morocco and its status as a key entry point to Europe continue to make it a focal point for migration policy and emergency response.
Ceuta’s experience reflects broader migration pressures at Spain’s external borders. The city’s reception infrastructure has been repeatedly tested by sudden surges, requiring rapid adaptation by local authorities. The government’s response, including the expansion of temporary accommodation and coordination with European partners, underscores the complexity of balancing humanitarian needs with public order. As the situation evolves, Ceuta remains under close watch from both national and European institutions.
