Spain overrides local port authority to build migrant camp for 1,000 people in Ceuta

Madrid assumes control of port land

The Spanish government approved a decree on 5 September 2026 to take direct control over sections of the port of Ceuta to establish temporary accommodation for over 1,000 migrants. Signed by Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Óscar Puente, the order authorizes the installation of tents across 16,000 square metres of public port area near the Poniente pier. The measure follows weeks of pressure in the North African autonomous city after an entry of migrants on 30 July 2026 left hundreds without shelter on public streets. The administration led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez moved to create the emergency spaces to clear unhoused arrivals from city areas. Government sources explained to news agency EFE that the minister acted on the exceptional nature of the situation in Ceuta, designating a portion of the port service area that is already open to the city.

Rejection by the local port authority

The ministerial decree followed a direct confrontation with local port managers. On 4 September 2026, the board of directors of the Port Authority of Ceuta voted against permitting the tent installations requested by the State Secretariat for Migration. The central body had requested temporary infrastructure to allow the General Directorate of Humanitarian Attention and International Reception and Protection System to execute its legally assigned duties. The Port Authority of Ceuta rejected the petition on the grounds that housing migrants was incompatible with normal commercial port operations and transferred the case to the national body, Puertos del Estado. In its subsequent report, Puertos del Estado noted that the planned temporary occupation could increase risks associated with port operations and the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive installations. Transport Ministry officials reviewed that report and associated documentation before opting to override the local refusal.

Infrastructure and site configuration

Under the provisions of the signed decree, the 16,000 square metre site will be equipped with provisional tents, medical facilities, and administrative services. The layout incorporates designated resting zones, an infirmary, a pharmacy, social support and intervention areas, and sanitary installations. To support operations on site, the decree also mandates office space for administrative personnel providing humanitarian services alongside a dedicated barracks for security personnel. Central authorities designed the camp to accommodate the more than 1,000 people who have lived without shelter in the enclave since their arrival in late July. The initiative takes place against a background of local public discontent, following demonstrations on 3 September 2026 when hundreds of Ceuta residents protested against migrant holding centers prepared by the central government as a precursor to expulsion.

Regional government response

The regional government of Ceuta, headed by President Juan Jesús Vivas, issued a formal statement calling the central government's decision a grave error. Regional officials stated that existing technical reports designate the port as critical infrastructure that should not be converted into an emergency camp. The regional executive argued that the rapid administrative efforts applied toward setting up temporary shelter should instead be directed toward border management and returns.

The speed with which accommodation is being sought for migrants should be applied in repatriating these people who entered from Morocco, because that must be the priority.

The regional government reiterated that repatriating those who entered from Morocco is the only way for the city of Ceuta to return to normality.