Spanish authorities began a large security operation early Thursday to clear Playa del Trampolín in Ceuta, where thousands of migrants had been living outdoors since late July.
The operation started before sunrise with units from the Guardia Civil’s Reserve and Security Groups, known as GRS. National Police officers joined later, sealing off the beach and preventing further access while the clearance was under way.
Local newspaper El Faro de Ceuta reported that around 4,000 people had been staying at the site. The Interior Ministry has opened an initial 1,800 places for people who had been sleeping at the beach and in the nearby Loma Colmenar area, reported by Euro News.
The first emergency shelters are in Loma Margarita and El Embolsamiento. Officials say capacity will increase as work at other locations is completed. The aim, authorities said, is to offer migrants an alternative to sleeping on the beach or in public spaces.
The clearance is also intended to restore the beach for public use. Municipal workers are expected to clean the area after the camp is removed. Authorities then plan to close off the site to stop tents and makeshift shelters from returning.
In recent weeks, Playa del Trampolín had become a stark symbol of Ceuta’s migration crisis. With few other places to stay, thousands of people built temporary shelters along the shore. Many slept in the open or beneath improvised coverings and depended on aid groups for food and basic supplies.
Despite the harsh conditions, the camp developed shared spaces and divided daily responsibilities. The situation also prompted protests, with some migrants calling for the chance to apply for asylum in Spain and for a lasting solution.
Thursday’s operation may remove the camp from the beach, but it leaves a wider question unanswered: whether there will be enough safe shelter and support for everyone forced to leave it.
