Spain dismantles 3,500-migrant camp ahead of monarch's visit

Start of Operation Trampoline and scale of evacuation

On 4 October, a large-scale police operation codenamed "Trampoline" began in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The main objective of the operation was to dismantle an improvised migrant settlement located on the beach of the same name. According to official data from law enforcement agencies, more than 3,000 people were in the camp, although some estimates indicate that there were over 3,500 residents.

Law enforcement officers escorted buses carrying evacuated people to the Tarajal border crossing area. Some migrants chose to stay at the Temporary Reception Centre for Foreign Citizens, where they are registered and prepared for further placement. Others voluntarily walked back to Morocco.

Progress of measures and forces deployed

To carry out the operation, special police units were sent to Ceuta from Seville, Granada, Malaga, and other regions of Spain. The operation involved prevention and response units, as well as intelligence service personnel from the enclave itself and other parts of the country.

To prevent escapes into the mountainous terrain and possible clashes, police completely blocked access to the settlement. Law enforcement officers went through the tents and temporary barracks, informing residents of the need to leave the area. In parallel with the evacuation of people, the dismantling of the camp's infrastructure began.

At the first stage, priority was planned for the relocation of women and children, although the majority of the settlement's residents were men. A translator was involved to communicate with the evacuated people, explaining further actions in Arabic.

Reasons for dismantling and accommodation situation

Law enforcement representatives emphasised that the water near the camp is contaminated, making it impossible to guarantee the safety of those staying there. Other reasons cited for carrying out the operation included health threats and an increase in the number of violence cases.

According to data from the Spanish National Police, this is already the third similar operation in the past few weeks. Previously, similar measures were carried out in the Benitez area.

One of the main problems remains the lack of accommodation for migrants. In mid-September, the port camp, designed for 1,700 people, was found to be overcrowded: more than 2,000 people remained outside its boundaries and returned to the beaches.

Deadlines and the monarch's visit

The authorities of Ceuta set 15 October as the deadline for the complete eviction of people from the beach settlement. This schedule is linked to the official visit of the King and Queen of Spain, who are scheduled to arrive in the city on 13 October.