Spanish authorities relocate migrants from Ceuta beaches to new tent camp

On Friday, September 18, 2026, Spanish police began relocating hundreds of migrants from makeshift camps on the beaches of Ceuta to a new tent facility located in the port area. The operation commenced at 06:30 local time, with officials aiming to provide more stable accommodation equipped with beds and showers for approximately 1,700 people. During the process, police struggled to manage large crowds as migrants rushed to secure spaces in the new facility, resulting in tensions that required the intervention of riot police and, according to some reports, the use of tear gas.

The current situation follows a major migration crisis in late July 2026, when tens of thousands of people entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco. While most returned shortly thereafter, thousands remained in the territory, leading to worsening living conditions, social unrest, and frequent protests from the local population demanding a return to normalcy. Estimates regarding the number of remaining migrants vary between sources, with some reports citing several thousand and others suggesting up to 13,000 people are still in the city. The Spanish government proceeded with the relocation despite opposition from some local authorities, marking a significant attempt to manage the long-term impact of the summer border surge.