Ceuta Residents Protest Migrant Influx as Police Fire Rubber Bullets

Residents of Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the north coast of Africa, staged large protests on Wednesday and Thursday against the government's handling of a recent surge of irregular migration. Local media and observers reported that thousands took to the streets, demanding the removal of migrants and criticizing the administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for failing to address public safety and infrastructure concerns.

The demonstrations followed the arrival of more than 70,000 people in late July, according to Spanish authorities. Many newcomers established makeshift camps on public beaches, including El Trampolín, leading to deteriorating conditions in parks, hospitals, and neighborhoods. Residents described scenes of squalor and rising crime, prompting calls for deportations. Protests began in O'Donnell, outside the old Military Hospital, which locals feared might be converted into migrant housing. Crowds carried Spanish and Ceutan flags, chanting slogans such as “Ceuta no se vende, Ceuta se defiende” and “Deport the illegal migrants.”

As night fell, some demonstrators moved toward El Trampolín beach, where they dismantled tents and discarded belongings into the sea. Spanish police intervened, forming a barrier and firing rubber bullets at the crowd. Social media posts and local reports confirmed the use of deterrent ammunition against Spanish citizens protesting illegal settlement. Police presence had previously been insufficient to prevent the establishment of migrant camps but became visibly reinforced during the protests.

By early Thursday, further clashes were reported. A military vehicle carrying four Spanish soldiers was reportedly attacked with stones by a group of around 70 migrants. The soldiers abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. Authorities detained twelve Moroccan men in connection with the incident. Ceuta’s finance councillor, Kissy Chandiramani, stated that tensions remained extremely high due to what local leaders see as a lack of government response and support.

In the aftermath, images and videos showed remaining migrant camps on the beach set ablaze and destroyed. Residents continued to express frustration over what they view as official inaction. Some participants in the protests have been described as armed, raising concerns about vigilantism. Local journalist Javier Negre expressed support for the residents’ actions, calling for immediate expulsions.

The events in Ceuta reflect growing public discontent across parts of Spain over migration management and border security, with calls for stronger enforcement and deportation policies.

#CeutaProtests #MigrationCrisis #Ceuta #PedroSánchez #RubberBullets #BorderSecurity