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Ceuta police move 3,000 migrants from beaches
BBC News··18 Sept
Spanish police began moving migrants from Ceuta beaches to a new port tent site on Friday, with more than 3,000 transferred, Efe reported. The camp can hold 1,700 people. More than 13,000 of about 72,000 who crossed from Morocco in July are believed still in the Spanish enclave. More than 170 police officers were deployed.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Authorities say the port camp is meant for identification and care while administrative status is decided case by case.
- The operation started about 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) along a 2 km route to the port.
- Residents have raised safety concerns since the July influx into the 18.5 sq km territory.
What's Happening
- Officers struggled as crowds jostled for places; reports said police fired into the air.
- Some migrants broke a cordon; Efe said control was restored quickly and transfers continued.
- At least 100 people died during the July crossing, local authorities said.
Why the July Influx Hit Ceuta
- Spain's Supreme Court ruled migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.
- Mayor Juan Jesus Vivas told the European Parliament the city had become a pressure cooker.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces opposition criticism over handling of the episode.
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