Ceuta Faces Second Eviction as Hundreds of Migrants Return to Trampolín Beach

By Europe Update Staff

Authorities in Ceuta are preparing for a second operation to clear Trampolín beach, after hundreds of migrants returned to the makeshift camp only hours after being moved to temporary reception facilities.

The latest development highlights the continuing difficulties facing authorities as they try to manage the large number of migrants who remain in the Spanish enclave following the recent migration crisis.

Migrants Return After Initial Eviction

Cleaning crews and authorities cleared Trampolín beach on Thursday, with migrants transferred to temporary reception locations elsewhere in Ceuta.

However, many migrants gradually returned to the beach during the afternoon.

Local reports suggest that around 500 people may have returned, although authorities have not confirmed an exact figure.

The return has created a new challenge for officials, who are expected to attempt another eviction before cleaning operations resume.

Authorities have also warned that beach-cleaning work could be suspended if migrants return again and conditions become unsafe for workers.

Temporary Reception Centres Under Pressure

The Spanish government has opened several temporary facilities to accommodate migrants who were staying in makeshift camps.

Sites at Loma Margarita and El Embolsamiento have a combined capacity of around 1,800 people, while additional locations are being considered.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz has said that the government plans to increase reception capacity in Ceuta to approximately 4,000 places.

The expansion is intended to provide safer and more organised accommodation while authorities attempt to prevent the development of informal camps.

Why Are Migrants Returning to the Beach?

For many migrants, the decision to return to Trampolín appears to be linked to concerns about what could happen after relocation.

Some migrants reportedly fear that being transferred to official reception facilities could eventually lead to their return to Morocco.

This uncertainty has contributed to resistance against relocation and made it more difficult for authorities to maintain the temporary accommodation system.

The beach has also become an important gathering point because humanitarian organisations are distributing food and other essential supplies in the surrounding area.

Conflicting Figures Over Thursday’s Eviction

There are also significant differences between the figures provided by different authorities regarding Thursday’s operation.

Police sources reportedly estimated that approximately 4,000 people were removed from the area, while government sources placed the number closer to 1,500.

The difference illustrates the difficulty of establishing an accurate picture of the situation, particularly as some people visiting the beach may not actually be living there.

Humanitarian workers have also reported that some migrants travelled to Trampolín simply to receive food.

Red Cross Provides Food Assistance

The Red Cross distributed around 4,000 food packages in the area on Thursday.

The distribution partly explains why large numbers of people were seen around the beach even after the eviction operation.

During the night, journalists also reported seeing several tents on the sand, alongside makeshift shelters constructed from materials including reeds, cardboard and plastic.

The conditions have raised concerns about sanitation, safety and the overall humanitarian situation.

Ceuta Government Calls for a Long-Term Solution

Ceuta President Juan Vivas has criticised the current approach, arguing that simply moving migrants from one part of the city to another does not address the underlying problem.

Local authorities are working with the central government on additional locations for migrant reception.

Proposed sites include the Hípica facilities, a former military football ground and the El Guano area.

The central government says expanding reception capacity is necessary to prevent migrants from returning to beaches and other public spaces.

A Difficult Challenge for Spain

The latest events demonstrate the continuing pressure on Ceuta following the recent surge in irregular migration.

Authorities now face several challenges at the same time: providing adequate accommodation, maintaining public safety, supporting migrants with food and essential services, and managing concerns about possible returns to Morocco.

The second eviction attempt at Trampolín beach could determine whether authorities can prevent another large-scale return to the informal camp.

For migrants, meanwhile, uncertainty over their future remains a major concern.

What Happens Next?

Officials are expected to attempt another clearance of Trampolín beach while continuing to transfer migrants to temporary reception facilities.

If migrants return again, authorities could face a cycle of repeated evictions and relocations.

The situation also places additional pressure on Spain and Ceuta to find a longer-term solution that combines humanitarian assistance, secure accommodation and effective migration management.

As the Spanish government works to expand reception capacity, the developments in Ceuta are likely to remain closely watched by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities.