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PoliticsSpain's central government bypasses Ceuta authorities to set up migrant tent camp at port
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The Spanish central government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has bypassed local authorities in the North African enclave of Ceuta by ordering the construction of a provisional migrant tent camp in the port area. Transport Minister Óscar Puente signed the order, overriding a decision by the regional government under President Juan Jesús Vivas, which had opposed the camp citing the port's importance for supply and the proximity of a large fuel depot. The move comes after a mass influx of migrants on July 30-31, when around 72,000 people swam or climbed fences from Morocco. Most returned, but over a month later, approximately 5,000 migrants remain, including 1,200 minors. The local population, numbering over 83,000, has expressed outrage through demonstrations and violent attacks on migrants, demanding immediate deportations. However, Spain is legally required to conduct individual case reviews. The central government's decision has intensified tensions, with residents and the regional administration calling for the migrants to be sent back to Morocco.
Source report
Workers set up tents for a new migrant reception facility in the Los Rosales district of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Source: Marcos Moreno/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
In an escalating dispute over migrant accommodation in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, the left-wing government in Madrid has seized control of the area's port. Transport Minister Óscar Puente signed an order authorizing the establishment of a provisional tent camp for migrants in the port zone, according to reports from state broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media.
Puente's decision overrules local authorities, who had previously opposed the plan. The ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Local Opposition
The regional government, led by Ceuta's president Juan Jesús Vivas, spoke out on Friday against placing a tent camp in the port area. Officials argue the port is critical for supplying the enclave and note that a large fuel depot is located nearby.
Earlier, the local administration had also rejected proposals to temporarily house migrants in a disused factory, a former military hospital, or sports centers.
Ongoing Construction and Protests
Another camp for approximately 900 people is currently under construction in the Los Rosales district, where protests from residents have already erupted.
Background: Mass Influx of Migrants
According to government figures, around 72,000 migrants swam from Morocco to Ceuta or climbed over border fences on July 30 and 31. While most returned within hours, approximately 5,000 migrants remained in the enclave more than a month later—including 1,200 minors. Ceuta is smaller than Frankfurt Airport.
Tensions on the Ground
Many of Ceuta's more than 83,000 residents are outraged by the prolonged presence of thousands of migrants. Repeated demonstrations and sometimes violent attacks against migrants have been reported. Like the regional administration under Vivas, many locals are calling for the immediate deportation of migrants to Morocco.
Legal and Political Pressures
Spain is legally obligated to conduct lengthy individual case reviews for each migrant. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government faces significant pressure, compounded by doubts about its claim that Morocco's government was not involved in the mass influx at the end of July.
dpa/saha
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Spain central government seizes Ceuta port, overrides local authorities to build migrant tent camp