Unrest Erupts During Transfer of Migrants in Ceuta

In the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta, significant unrest unfolded as hundreds of migrants were relocated to a new reception center at the port. Early reports from state broadcaster RTVE and various Spanish media outlets indicate that police escorted the migrants on foot over a distance of approximately two kilometers to the harbor, beginning this operation before dawn. A large crowd of individuals was moved from makeshift camps located on the beaches of Trampolín and Benítez to the new facility, which has the capacity to accommodate around 1,800 people. However, estimates suggested that between 3,000 and 4,000 migrants were residing in these temporary beach camps prior to the transfer.

Government Efforts to Manage Migration Crisis

As the transfer progressed, parts of the group reportedly began to run, fueled by a desire to secure a place in the new reception center as quickly as possible. The police had to deploy additional forces to maintain control over the throng of people. This operation is part of the Spanish government's broader efforts to address the challenges posed by the ongoing migration crisis following a massive influx of migrants. On July 30 and 31, it is estimated that up to 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco, with many returning shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, thousands remain in the exclave, prompting the need for more structured support.

The port center represents the fifth temporary reception facility established in Ceuta, aimed at alleviating pressure on the city and improving the process of registering and caring for migrants. Following the mass arrival, thousands spent about six weeks in dire conditions on the streets. Just last Thursday, the judiciary cleared the way for the new center's operation, rejecting a request from the police union SUP for a temporary suspension of its establishment due to concerns regarding the construction of tents in an area classified as critical infrastructure. Earlier in September, the Spanish Ministry of Transport took control of part of the harbor to facilitate the establishment of these temporary migrant reception facilities.

As reported by watson.ch.