Spanish authorities in the North African enclave of Ceuta have dismantled a temporary settlement that had been set up on a local beach, according to Al Jazeera. The operation, carried out by police forces, involved the removal of tents and other structures that housed a number of migrants who had arrived by sea.
Following the clearance, a group of children who were residing in the camp gathered on the shoreline to voice their discontent. The youngsters formed a line and raised signs, demanding that the authorities allow them to return to the site or provide alternative accommodation. The protest was described by Al Jazeera as peaceful, with no reports of clashes between the demonstrators and law‑enforcement officers.
Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city bordering Morocco, has long been a focal point for irregular migration across the Strait of Gibraltar. The enclave’s coastal areas are frequently used by people fleeing conflict and poverty in sub‑Saharan Africa and the Sahel region. Local officials have periodically undertaken operations to clear informal encampments, citing health, safety and security concerns.
In a statement released after the operation, the Ceuta police command said the removal was conducted in accordance with national migration policies and that families would be transferred to reception centres where basic services are available. The statement did not specify the number of individuals affected or the duration of the clearance.
Human‑rights organisations have previously warned that the abrupt displacement of migrant families can exacerbate vulnerability, especially among children. Al Jazeera noted that the protest highlighted the emotional impact of the clearance on young residents, who expressed fear of being separated from their families and uncertainty about future shelter.
The incident adds to a series of recent actions by Spanish authorities aimed at managing migrant flows into the enclave. While officials maintain that the measures are intended to uphold public order, critics argue that more comprehensive solutions are needed to address the root causes of irregular migration and to protect the rights of displaced persons.
No further incidents were reported in the immediate aftermath of the protest, and local media indicated that the situation remained calm as authorities continued to process the displaced migrants.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/28/migrant-children-protest-after-police-clear-beach-camp-in-ceuta?traffic_source=rss.