On 16 September 2026, security forces uncovered several overcrowded migrant accommodation sites in Ceuta According to the authorities, the Guardia Civil identified 25 people, including six minors, living in extremely poor hygienic conditions in a residential building on Calle Real . In a separate investigation, the Policía Nacional arrested several suspects accused of selling new arrivals places to sleep in garages, basements and overcrowded rooms, and of using intimidation.
The Ministry of the Interior said that the arrested suspects had charged around 30 euros a day for mattress spaces in makeshift accommodation, and in some cases up to 900 euros per month. They had also allegedly demanded payments of up to 6,000 euros for unauthorised transport to mainland Spain. The Guardia Civil described the premises found on Calle Real as “very precarious”, with virtually no hygiene. The suspects are being investigated for exploiting particularly vulnerable people and for offences against the rights of foreign nationals.
The operations come amid a tense situation following an increase in border crossings at the end of July 2026. Since August, local media and aid organisations have reported a rise in informal accommodation in districts such as El Príncipe and Loma Colmenar. Investigators and support organisations believe loosely connected groups are exploiting people’s plight, contributing to overcrowding, inadequate provision and an increased risk of violence. Official figures for the total number affected vary depending on the operation and the time of the count; however, the authorities’ core account of events and demands is consistent.
Health and social services were called in for the cleared accommodation sites. In Ceuta, as elsewhere in Spain, minors are entitled to special protection standards; they are housed separately from adults. Police are also investigating whether other flats were used in a similar way and whether the arrested individuals were part of larger networks.
The political debate focuses on two levels: short-term measures to ease pressure on accommodation, and dismantling the business models that profit from precarious living conditions. Forecasts for how the situation will develop depend on checks at border crossings, available capacity in reception centres and the prosecution of the networks involved.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).