Migrants in Ceuta launch hunger strike as Spain prepares 1,500 emergency shelter beds

Protests at Trampolín beach

More than 100 migrants camping on Trampolín beach in Ceuta began a hunger strike on 16 August to demand asylum in Spain and prevent expulsion to Morocco. The protesters, who arrived during a mass border crossing on 30 and 31 July, displayed banners stating they are Moroccan nationals seeking a better life. Youssef, a 40-year-old Moroccan demonstrator, explained that the group had lived in makeshift beach shelters for 18 days without visits from authorities. He appealed directly to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI, and Ceuta regional president Juan Jesús Vivas. Demonstrators stated they hope authorities resolve their status before local schools reopen in the coming weeks.

We do not want to create any problem, just get out of here.

Emergency accommodation and capacity strain

On 17 August, Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz announced the deployment of emergency humanitarian units to provide immediate shelter for 1,500 people. Workers began assembling tents at the Loma del Colmenar livestock facility car park, with further shelters planned at an equestrian centre, a former football pitch at the Cavalry barracks, and the El Guano site. These temporary facilities aim to relieve severe pressure on local infrastructure. Estimates of the remaining migrant population in the 83,000-resident city diverge: the central government in Madrid counted 5,000 individuals, while Ceuta authorities estimated between 8,000 and 12,000 people.

Living conditions and humanitarian strain

Migrants across Ceuta live in rudimentary camps assembled from reeds, tarpaulins, and cardboard, enduring high daytime temperatures and cold nights. At the El Tarajal industrial area, families and unaccompanied minors sleep on cardboard without access to toilets or running water, receiving a single food delivery each day. Local estimates indicate between 3,000 and 5,000 minors remain in the city, many unable to secure space in overcrowded reception centres. Fourteen-year-old Amina, who entered Ceuta with her brother, described the sanitary difficulties facing young people in the settlements.

The worst thing is that we do not even have toilets. We have to go somewhere in the bushes, but I do not dare go alone.

Families in the settlements report severe shortages of medical care. Malika, a Moroccan mother of four who earned seven euros a day in Morocco, treated her child's fever with vinegar compresses after failing to obtain medical assistance. Emergency rooms in the city have treated cases of scabies and tuberculosis, along with physical injuries from the crossing. Emergency doctor Susana Ascaso treated several victims of sexual assault, while police investigate at least 15 reported rape cases involving minors.

Mass crossing and diplomatic response

The crisis began on 30 and 31 July when between 72,000 and 80,000 people crossed into Ceuta by swimming or walking around coastal barriers. Non-governmental organizations reported that 142 people drowned during the crossing attempt. While approximately 70,000 people returned to Morocco within a week, thousands remained. Around 15 August, Moroccan security forces used tear gas to halt another crossing attempt, stopping 294 people, including 46 Moroccan nationals and 248 sub-Saharan migrants. While Ceuta president Juan Jesús Vivas called for the rejection of all asylum requests, Spanish judicial associations stated that national law requires individual case reviews.