Spanish National Police evicted between 1,500 and 4,000 migrants from Playa del Trampolín in Ceuta last Thursday morning [1].
The event highlights the ongoing instability at the Spanish enclave's border with Morocco, where thousands of migrants seek refuge despite repeated enforcement actions.
The eviction took place during the morning hours as officers worked to clear the beach and prevent a prolonged occupation of the area [1, 2]. While some reports suggest the number of people removed was around 1,500, other data indicates the figure could have been as high as 4,000 [1].
By late Thursday, the enforcement action was partially undone. Approximately 500 young migrants, primarily of Maghrebi origin, returned to the beach [1, 2]. These individuals reconstructed improvised camps and lit bonfires to protect themselves from the cold [1, 2].
The cycle of eviction and return occurs against a backdrop of a severe migration crisis in the region. More than 72,000 people have entered Ceuta irregularly [3]. This surge has resulted in a humanitarian toll, with dozens of migrants dying [3].
The National Police continue to monitor the Playa del Trampolín area to prevent the establishment of permanent settlements. However, the return of the youth group suggests that the lack of alternative shelter continues to drive migrants back to the shoreline, regardless of the legal risks involved.
“Approximately 500 young migrants, primarily of Maghrebi origin, returned to the beach”
The rapid return of migrants to Playa del Trampolín suggests that police evictions are providing only temporary relief rather than a systemic solution. The persistence of these camps indicates a gap between security enforcement and the availability of humanitarian shelter, leaving migrants vulnerable to the elements and continuing the cycle of irregular occupation at the border.
