Spain takes control of Ceuta port to create migrant camp

Spain's central government has taken control of the port in Ceuta to allow a temporary migrant camp, overriding the opposition of the North African enclave's local authorities.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente signed the order authorizing the tent camp, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE and other media reported. Ceuta's regional government, led by President Juan Jesús Vivas, had rejected the plan, saying the port was essential to the enclave's supplies and stood near a large fuel depot.

Local authorities had also opposed temporary accommodation in a disused factory, a former military hospital and sports centers. Another camp for about 900 people is being built in the Los Rosales district, where residents have also protested.

According to government figures, about 72,000 migrants swam from Morocco to Ceuta or climbed over border fences on July 30 and 31. Most returned within hours, but roughly 5,000 migrants remained in the territory more than a month later. About 1,200 were minors, the government said.

Many of Ceuta's more than 83,000 residents are angry about the prolonged presence of thousands of migrants. Demonstrations are frequent, and migrants sometimes face violent attacks. The regional administration, like many residents, has called for immediate returns to Morocco. Spanish law, however, requires lengthy individual assessments, placing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government under heavy pressure.

There are also significant doubts about the government's claim that Morocco had no role in the mass arrival at the end of July.