The Policía Nacional carried out a coordinated operation on Sunday in several neighbourhoods of Ceuta to identify migrants who had moved into the neighbourhoods after beach camps were cleared. The main areas targeted were Poblado Regulares and the Barriada of Los Rosales; checks were also carried out around the industrial estate of El Tarajal and near the Centro de Estancia Temporal de Inmigrantes . According to consistent reports in local media and information from the authorities, more than 350 personnel were deployed; around 100 officers from the Unidad de Intervención Policial took part in some areas.
The Delegación del Gobierno had announced in the week before the operation that, following the clearance of camps on the beaches of Benítez, El Trampolín and Fábrica del Guano it would also take action in the neighbourhoods. The aim was to remove any remaining makeshift shelters, register people and, depending on their status, take them to reception centres or initiate the relevant administrative procedures. The Policía Nacional is responsible for identification and document checks; responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors lies with the regional authorities.
According to security sources, many people fled to nearby hills and less busy parts of the city when the officers arrived. Many had already left the beaches in the days before, after police dismantled the settlements there. Neighbourhood associations reported an increase in makeshift shelters in various neighbourhoods to the Delegación del Gobierno; the authorities then mapped the affected areas to coordinate the operation.
Humanitarian organisations and local social services point out that police action does not resolve the underlying issues of accommodation and support. In their view, additional reception capacity and clear procedures for people in particularly vulnerable circumstances are needed. The authorities argue that public safety, health protection and enforcement of the law require a structured approach in the neighbourhoods.
The backdrop is an increase in irregular and other border crossings since late July 2026, which has placed sustained pressure on municipal resources in the enclave. In late summer, the central government classified the situation as security-related and adjusted operational procedures. The operation now under way in the neighbourhoods is the next step following the clearances along the coast. According to the authorities, it is to continue until the makeshift settlements have been removed and everyone affected has been registered.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).