More than 3,000 migrants are still sleeping rough in Ceuta . This is according to estimates from the central government on 18 and 19 September, a day after a police-escorted relocation in which around 1,700 people were moved to temporary accommodation at the port . The government estimates that around 10,000 migrants are currently in the Spanish enclave overall.
On 18 September, security forces moved groups from the beaches of Benítez and El Trampolín to newly established areas in the port. According to reports by Europa Press , tense scenes ensued. The government describes its figures as conservative estimates; local representatives in Ceuta cite higher numbers in some cases. EFE and other national media confirmed the estimated scale, with between 3,000 and 4,000 people still sleeping on streets, hillsides and beaches.
Since early September, the authorities have activated additional capacity, including mobile infrastructure from the START team, and designated further accommodation places. The Ministry of the Interior also announced measures against the suspected exploitation of people seeking protection and reported arrests linked to overpriced and unsafe accommodation. The aim of the latest operation was to reduce the most visible makeshift sleeping areas and provide orderly access to care, registration and protection assessments.
The immediate pressure is linked to mass border crossings at the end of July, which overwhelmed Ceuta’s existing reception and returns arrangements. Shortages of accommodation, the city authorities’ rejection of some proposed sites and the limited capacity of existing centres have repeatedly led to the formation of informal camps. Humanitarian organisations and some autonomous regions report ongoing returns following the border crossings, as well as the transfer of particularly vulnerable people, including minors. At the same time, they warn of the risks posed by overcrowding and precarious living conditions.
In the short term, the priorities remain providing safe places to sleep, promptly establishing identities and coordinating between the central government, the autonomous government of Ceuta and aid organisations. In the medium term, the issues are returns under applicable law, coordination with Morocco and the stabilisation of regular border and protection procedures. The figures and measures reported come from official statements by the Spanish government and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as consistent reports by national media on 18 and 19 September.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).