Spanish police on Sunday dismantled a large migrant camp on a beach in the North African enclave of Ceuta, weeks before King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to make a rare visit to the territory.
Around 3,000 migrants had been living in tents and makeshift shelters on Trampolin beach for roughly two months following a mass influx from neighbouring Morocco, according to Spanish authorities.
More than 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in late July. Most subsequently returned, but Spanish officials estimate that at least 10,000 migrants remain in the enclave, placing significant pressure on local services and accommodation.
A Spanish Interior Ministry spokesperson said those removed from the beach were transferred to temporary accommodation, where their cases will be processed. Some may also choose to return to Morocco.
The continuing presence of thousands of migrants has fuelled tensions in Ceuta, a Spanish territory of about 80,000 residents. Local residents staged a demonstration on Saturday demanding that migrants sleeping rough leave the enclave.
The operation comes ahead of a visit by King Felipe and Queen Letizia scheduled for October 13-14. It will be Felipe’s first visit to Ceuta since becoming king 12 years ago.
The trip also carries diplomatic significance because Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Spain’s other North African enclave, Melilla, while Madrid maintains that both territories are integral parts of Spain.
