Violence broke out in Ceuta when local protesters set fire to two makeshift shelters built by migrants on the small beach next to Trampolín. It happened as the Red Cross distributed food to migrants in the area. The blaze destroyed personal belongings, including backpacks and towels, before riot police intervened to separate the groups and prevent further escalation.
Earlier that day, around a hundred residents blocked the basic access road to Trampolín Beach, trying to stop Red Cross vehicles from delivering food to newly arrived migrants. National police and local officers closely monitored the demonstration, while armed military personnel were also present. Protesters chanted against the Red Cross and voiced support for law enforcement. Police dispersed the blockade without using force, negotiating with protesters to let humanitarian vehicles through.
The protest exposed divisions among local residents: some were determined to resist, while others followed police instructions. Mobilized through social media and without clear leadership, the group was united mainly by opposition to migrants’ presence and the aid they receive. As the standoff continued, police offered a compromise: protesters who let the Red Cross pass could be reunited with those separated from them by the police cordon. Tensions persisted as demonstrators chanted slogans and debated their next move.
Ceuta has been under strain for nearly a month amid the ongoing migration crisis. The Red Cross’s daily food distribution has become a flashpoint, and security forces are working to stop isolated incidents from sparking wider unrest. Local-migrant tensions are one fault line. Divisions also run between religious communities and over humanitarian aid, with some people wanting migrants to leave as soon as possible.
After the police-escorted humanitarian convoy left the area, volunteers managed to deliver food to migrants at a safer location near a desalination plant. The delivery was discreet, with police vans providing protection. Migrants queued for basic supplies, including halal food and water, as officers watched for signs of further trouble. But while the Red Cross continued its work, a group of protesters attacked one of the camps and set fire to two shelters before riot police stopped them.
This latest episode follows a series of confrontations at Trampolín Beach, where security forces have stepped in before to restore order during food distributions. In one earlier incident, Spanish police used tear gas to disperse crowds amid similar tensions. The crisis continues to challenge Ceuta’s authorities and residents as humanitarian needs collide with local unrest.
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, has long been a focal point for migration from Morocco and elsewhere. The recent surge in arrivals has strained local resources and sharpened social tensions. Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, continue to provide impressive aid, though segments of the local population increasingly resist their efforts. The situation remains volatile, and authorities are maintaining a strong security presence to prevent further violence and protect migrants and aid workers.
