# Ceuta Migrants Relocated: Police Move 1,700 From Beach Camp

Around 1,700 migrants left the El Trampolín beach in Ceuta on Thursday, walking under police escort to new temporary shelters. The operation began at 9:45 AM and proceeded without incidents, according to Spain's Government Delegation. Police had set up a large operation at the beach from 7:30 AM to organize the migrants, asking them to gather their belongings and form groups for the move. **Migrants split by origin** The migrants were divided into two groups based on their origin. People from sub-Saharan Africa were directed to Loma Margarita, while those from North Africa walked to the Loma Colmenar area, near the Tarajal border crossing. The first group reached Loma Margarita in about 15 minutes, less than one kilometer from El Trampolín. They entered the facility where they will be identified and placed in prepared shelters. The second group continued to Loma Colmenar. **Temporary halt for belongings** The cleaning operation at the beach was temporarily paused after dozens of people returned to look for personal items. Spain's Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has prepared both locations with combined capacity for about 1,800 people. Loma Margarita is a new site added to the plan announced Monday by Minister Elma Saiz. The original plan included four locations: Loma Colmenar, the Montesa field, the old guano factory grounds, and the Hippica facilities. Loma Margarita was previously a military driving practice area and has also hosted Muslim community prayers. **More transfers expected** According to the Ministry, people removed from El Trampolín will go to Loma Margarita, while migrants sleeping or wandering near Loma Colmenar will be moved to that facility. As transfers happen, authorities will register people and place them in shelters. The Ministry stated the new spaces are temporary and capacity will expand as other sites are prepared. Police sources say more than 3,500 people gathered at El Trampolín during food distributions, based on meals provided by the Red Cross. The camp did not hold all these people permanently, so transfers will continue in coming days for those still sleeping outside. **Total capacity over 5,000** The full set of facilities, agreed between the central government and Ceuta's regional government, includes Loma Margarita, Loma Colmenar, the Hippica, Montesa field, and the old guano factory. Total projected capacity exceeds 5,000 places. The Ministry emphasized that transfers are voluntary and that the facilities offer adequate and safe conditions. The operation is coordinated with state security forces, the Ceuta government, and NGOs including Engloba and ACCEM. The Ministry also denied reports that tents at Loma Colmenar collapsed in the wind. Officials said the structures were lowered as a precaution due to weather and were empty at the time.