Ceuta — The Policía Nacional escorted cleaning crews on the morning of Friday, 21 August 2026, at El Trampolín in Ceuta. Hundreds of people had previously reoccupied the area cleared the day before and spent the night in makeshift camps. According to consistent media reports, the work by the company Servilimpce had been halted on Thursday because some of the groups previously moved away had gathered again along the coast. The Autonomous City of Ceuta suspended the clean-up until the safety of its employees could be guaranteed; cleaning work resumed under police protection on Friday.
Crowds were observed along the wall of the seawater desalination plant (Planta Desaladora) and at the adjoining breakwater. People again set up makeshift shelters on site. No overall official figures were available on Friday morning; media reports differed, citing “hundreds” and “more than a thousand” people present.
The latest developments come amid the migration situation in the enclave, which has been ongoing since the end of July. According to sources in the authorities and media, the Autonomous City of Ceuta is directing some people to existing reception centres. Groups have been moved in stages in recent days; capacity remains limited, however, and people have repeatedly returned to the beach. Local aid organisations say that many people are staying outdoors for lack of immediate alternatives.
Security sources report investigations into active smuggling networks organising irregular crossings. However, reports available on Friday did not establish any direct link between particular returns and specific perpetrators. In the morning, police focused primarily on securing access for cleaning workers and preventing clashes.
Local authorities announced that beach cleaning would continue over the coming days and that further transfers to reception facilities would be arranged. They initially provided no precise details on additional accommodation places or the timetable. One thing is clear: without a rapid move to secure accommodation, there is a risk of further gatherings along the coastline. Work at El Trampolín continued under police escort on Friday.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).