**Title: Police Clear Migrants from Ceuta Beaches Amid Record Influx**
**Date: September 18, 2026**
Spanish police have initiated a significant operation to clear hundreds of migrants from the beaches of Ceuta, a Spanish enclave located on the northern coast of Africa. This action follows a record surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco, which overwhelmed the territory in late July.
The operation commenced early on Friday morning, just before 7 AM local time (05:00 GMT). Riot police were deployed to manage the situation, reportedly firing rubber bullets into the air and using batons to control the crowd as they began rounding up the migrants.
In late July, more than 72,000 individuals entered the 18.5 square kilometer (7.2 square mile) enclave during an unprecedented border rush. While many of these migrants have since left, Spanish authorities estimate that approximately 10,000 remain in Ceuta, which has a resident population of around 80,000.
To address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the Spanish government has established temporary housing facilities within the port area of Ceuta. These accommodations are designed to hold up to 1,700 people and include essential amenities such as showers and beds. However, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) report that thousands of migrants still lack proper shelter and have been forced to sleep in makeshift camps.
Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of two Spanish territories situated on the African continent. The region has a diverse population comprising Christians, Muslims, Spanish nationals, and Moroccan day workers, who generally coexist peacefully despite the challenges posed by migration.
The recent influx of migrants has drawn attention to the broader issue of migration in Europe. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner noted that images of migrants crossing into Ceuta have contributed to increased support for far-right political parties in Europe. He emphasized that while irregular arrivals have declined due to stricter migration policies, the visual impact of events in Ceuta can overshadow statistical successes in managing migration.
Brunner stated, “We have the decreasing numbers, but images from Ceuta, of course, overshadow the actual successes and the actual facts and figures.” He highlighted the importance of swiftly returning migrants to demonstrate control over the situation.
In a show of support for the enclave, Spain's World Cup-winning football coach, Luis de la Fuente, released a video from Ceuta on the same day, announcing his Nations League squad. This gesture underscores the significance of the region amid the ongoing migration crisis.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are faced with the challenge of managing both the humanitarian needs of the migrants and the political implications of their presence in Ceuta.