The Policía Nacional began clearing a large makeshift camp at Playa del Trampolín in Ceuta on the morning of 4 October 2026. According to the Jefatura Superior the operation is being carried out in stages, initially focusing on the most exposed stretches of beach. Residents are being moved to temporary accommodation centres prepared for them. Authorities last put the overall figure at more than 3,000 people; today’s phase is said to involve several hundred. Police initially gave no specific figures for the day.
Those in charge of the operation cited risks to safety and health as grounds for the move. Some makeshift shelters are only a few metres from the sea; the risk of flooding and strong winds increases with the autumn storms. The government also points to the need to ensure registration and basic services in properly organised facilities. Minors and others in particular need of protection are to be identified and supported separately. According to the authorities, humanitarian aid routes will remain open during the operation.
The operation is planned in several phases. Hundreds of officers, logistics teams and armoured vehicles are on site. Observers report escorted transfers to reception centres; there have also been cases of voluntary return to Morocco. The government recently set the target of calming the beaches by mid-October. Whether this timetable can be met remains unclear and depends on the weather, available places and the cooperation of those affected.
The operation follows a significant migration movement to Ceuta in summer 2026, which repeatedly led to informal gatherings on beaches. Since then, additional accommodation places have been created, while identity checks and asylum procedures are under way. The political focus is on balancing order with protection rights: the central government emphasises the link between security considerations and humanitarian obligations. Human rights and aid organisations are calling for transparent procedures, age-appropriate assessments and guaranteed access to protection for minors.
Spanish media and news agencies such as EFE, RTVE and Europa Press documented the start of the operation on 4 October. Official bodies in Ceuta and the Jefatura Superior confirmed that the clearance had begun and would take place in stages. As well as accommodation capacity, debate is focused on return procedures and cooperation with the Moroccan authorities in Rabat. The authorities intend to update figures on the scale, duration and number of transfers during the day.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).