Spanish police began dismantling part of one of Ceuta’s largest migrant camps on Sunday, deploying more than 350 officers as authorities race to clear beach encampments that formed after the mass border crossings in late July.
The operation began shortly after 8 a.m. at El Trampolín beach, where police estimate more than 3,500 people have been living. More than 30 police vans, two BMR armored vehicles and a VAMTAC tactical vehicle were deployed for the first phase.
Authorities initially targeted shelters closest to Ceuta’s desalination plant, which officials want cleared and fenced off. More than 500 migrants were due to be moved during Sunday’s operation, which local reporting said was proceeding without major incidents.
Those removed are being transported to the CATE migrant-processing facility near the Tarajal border for identification and onward placement. Reception capacity remains limited, preventing authorities from clearing the entire camp at once.
Moroccan nationals can also request voluntary return. More than 100 did so Sunday after reaching Tarajal by bus, according to El Faro de Ceuta.
The camp is a product of the late-July migration crisis, after tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta from Morocco. By Oct. 1, authorities estimated more than 10,000 migrants remained in accommodation centers, on beaches or elsewhere in the city, including roughly 3,000 at El Trampolín.
Madrid has set Oct. 15 as its target for clearing the remaining beach encampments. The deadline falls two days after King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit Ceuta on Oct. 13, their first trip there since Felipe became king and the first royal visit to the city since 2007.
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