On September 18, 2026, police officers in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta were recorded striking migrants with batons while the individuals were being transferred from a temporary reception camp. The incident was captured on video and reported by Al Jazeera, which highlighted the use of force during the relocation process.
Ceuta, situated on the North African coast, serves as a regular entry point for people attempting to reach European territory from the African continent. The city maintains reception facilities that house migrants awaiting processing, and periodic transfers between these sites are part of routine administrative procedures.
According to the footage, police officers approached groups of migrants and, in several instances, made contact with batons. The visual evidence shows the force being applied to both men and women, some of whom appear to be on the ground or attempting to move away. The video does not provide a clear indication of the number of individuals affected or the severity of any injuries sustained.
Al Jazeera reported that the episode unfolded as authorities were moving migrants from one camp to another, a task that is typically coordinated by local police and civil protection services. The outlet did not include statements from the police or from the Spanish government regarding the rationale behind the use of batons in this context.
Spanish officials have not issued an immediate comment on the specific incident. No official explanation has been released to clarify whether the force was deemed necessary for crowd control, security concerns, or other operational reasons.
The event adds to ongoing scrutiny of migration management practices in Ceuta, where periodic surges of arrivals have prompted authorities to balance security measures with humanitarian considerations. Observers note that visual documentation of police actions can influence public debate and may prompt inquiries into the protocols governing the treatment of migrants during transfers.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/18/police-hit-migrants-with-batons-during-camp-transfer-in-ceuta?traffic_source=rss.