Spanish police and military begin operation to relocate migrants from Ceuta beaches
Spanish riot police and the army started a morning operation in Ceuta to move migrants from the shoreline into newly built temporary housing, while NGOs say many remain without shelter.
Spanish riot police and military units launched an operation shortly before 7 a.m. local time on Friday to clear migrants from the beaches of the North African enclave of Ceuta and transfer them to temporary accommodation built at the port. The new facility can house up to 1,700 people, but NGOs reported that thousands of migrants continue to sleep outdoors in makeshift camps.
According to footage from state broadcaster TVE, crowds gathered at El Trampolin beach as police directed them along a 1-kilometre route toward the port. Police fired rubber bullets into the air and used batons on several individuals before the situation stabilized and the escorted groups continued toward the housing area. The majority of those moved were adult men; minors were separated for separate accommodation.
Three NGO leaders told Reuters that the shelters opened so far do not meet the minimum standards required under the European migration pact and are insufficient for the number of people still on the streets. One NGO estimated that about 4,000 migrants remained outdoors, and two leaders suggested officials may be hoping most will voluntarily return to Morocco.