The Spanish city of Ceuta witnessed on Friday the launch of a large-scale operation to transfer hundreds of migrants who had been residing on its beaches to a new, equipped camp in the port area. Police forces faced difficulties during
this process, as crowds of migrants jostled to secure their places at the new site, especially after spending long weeks in the open on the beaches. Authorities indicate that the new camp is designed to accommodate up to 1,700 people. Some
disturbances erupted within the Spanish enclave of Ceuta during the transfer of migrants to the updated reception center in the port. In the early hours of Friday morning, police escorted migrants on foot for a distance exceeding two kilometers towards
the port, according to media reports. The transfer operation began before dawn, with security forces accompanying a large group of migrants from temporary camps located on Trampolín and Benítez beaches to the port facilities. Police began gathering migrants at exactly 6:30
AM (04:30 GMT), as announced by a Spanish government source in Ceuta. The source confirmed that the "city of tents" established in the port is equipped with all necessary facilities, including bathrooms and beds. The Spanish region had previously seen a
massive influx of tens of thousands of migrants across the border from Morocco in late July. Although the majority returned quickly, thousands remain in the enclave, with many spending their nights in the open on the beaches. Ceuta authorities estimate
that around 13,000 migrants stayed in the enclave, which spans 18.5 square kilometers, while the central government indicates that the actual number is lower than this estimate. The Spanish government proceeded with this transfer operation despite opposition from conservative local authorities.
In a related context, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced severe criticism regarding his handling of the crisis. Sánchez also entered into a dispute with Italy, which had previously imposed temporary border controls with Spain.
