Ceuta Clears Migrant Camps Before Royal Visit

Spanish police cleared the last migrant camp on a beach in Ceuta on Sunday, shortly before a planned visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The camp at El Trampolin had formed after more than 70,000 people entered the Spanish North African enclave from neighbouring Morocco at the end of July. The mass influx included people who died during the crossing, raised alarm across the European Union and contributed to a political crisis in Madrid. Although most of those who arrived returned within a few days, thousands remained in Ceuta and were sleeping outdoors in streets or on beaches. Police, supported by soldiers, arrived at El Trampolin shortly after 8 a.m., where about 3,000 people were living. Officers put migrants onto buses bound for reception centres for processing; some people ran into nearby hills to avoid the operation. Cleaning crews then dismantled makeshift tents and cleared the beach and esplanade. Spain has faced criticism for responding slowly to the situation, which has generated tensions in the territory. The royal couple were scheduled to visit Ceuta on Tuesday and then travel to Melilla. It would be the first visit to the two territories by a Spanish monarch since 2007. Morocco, referred to in the article as Rabat, claims sovereignty over both Spanish enclaves, which lie in North Africa between Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea. The timing of the camp clearance, ahead of the royal visit, is a central context for the operation, though the article does not state that the visit was its cause.

The article reports allegations of mistreatment by Spanish soldiers in Ceuta after authorities cleared migrant camps ahead of a planned visit by Spain’s king and queen on October 13. People in the North African enclave say they were beaten or otherwise mistreated during the clearance. The brief report does not provide details about the number of people affected, the circumstances of the alleged beatings, the authorities’ response, or whether any investigation has been opened, so the allegations are presented without further verification or comment in the supplied text. The camp clearances took place shortly before the royal visit, but the article does not state why officials ordered them or whether the visit was directly connected to the operation. The episode unfolds against continuing tension between Spain and Morocco over Ceuta: Morocco claims sovereignty over the enclave, which is located in North Africa and governed by Spain. The report thus links allegations about migrants’ treatment and the removal of camps with a visit by Spain’s monarchs and a wider territorial dispute. Published on October 11, 2026, the article offers a concise account of the claims and political context rather than a detailed investigation or a response from Spanish or Moroccan officials.

Spanish National Police and other state security forces cleared the remaining migrant camp on Guano beach in Ceuta, where around 400 people were still living, two days before King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were due to visit the city. The operation began shortly after 8:00 am and involved National Police officers, riot units, immigration staff, the Civil Guard and local police. It followed earlier clearances at Tarajal and Trampolín beaches. Migrants were gathered and transported by bus to the Temporary Centre for Foreigners (CATE) for registration, after which they are expected to be housed in government-run camps. Some people left before the police arrived, while others in previous operations had fled into nearby hills and returned when food was distributed. Officers found minors during the clearance and separated them from adults for transfer to separate accommodation. Some children carried signs asking to be taken to a centre for minors; local media reported that some had previously been registered but ran away. The article also notes that migrants transferred from Trampolín to temporary reception centres in August later returned to the beach, as had happened after a camp opened at Ceuta’s port. After the site was emptied, crews began removing tents, rubbish and debris. The settlement’s environmental damage is to be assessed by experts working with the Ministry of the Environment. The camp had been associated with deaths, fights, thefts and brawls, alongside informal markets and a distinct community life. The clearance took place ahead of the royal couple’s 13 October visit, during which they will honour people who died at sea during the mass crossing at the Tarajal border. They are then scheduled to travel to Melilla. The overnight stay will be the first by a Spanish monarch in Ceuta since Alfonso XIII’s visits in 1904 and 1927.