Demonstrators in Ceuta set fire to straw umbrellas at a beachside migrant camp during protests against immigrants in the Spanish North African enclave.
The group entered the area carrying a large Spanish flag, causing migrants nearby to flee toward the rear wall of a local desalination plant. Participants then set fire to two straw umbrellas on the beach, producing a heavy column of smoke and creating moments of confusion.
Protesters advanced toward the shore chanting slogans stating that Ceuta was not for sale, that the city defends itself, and calling migrants invaders who should be expelled. Demonstrators also voiced anger over the central government's management of the migrant crisis.
After several minutes of high tension, the crowd remained in the beach area, though tempers gradually cooled and the situation regained some stability.
Blockade of Red Cross aid truck
The beach incident followed a protest on Wednesday in which hundreds of demonstrators blocked a Red Cross vehicle for more than two hours. The truck was attempting to reach Trampolín beach to distribute food and water to migrants gathered there. Officials noted that the blockade took place peacefully.
The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, food, and medical relief to vulnerable populations in crisis zones.
Widespread unrest and police intervention
Beachfront confrontations follow days of mounting protests across various locations in Ceuta, a Spanish territory situated on the northern coast of Africa sharing a border with Morocco. Demonstrators have held mass gatherings outside the Government Delegation building and marched toward several informal migrant settlements.
Spain's National Police force has intervened at multiple locations across the enclave to keep opposing groups apart and prevent direct physical clashes between demonstrators and migrants.
Government response to the crisis
Addressing the escalating tension, Ángel Víctor Torres, Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy and head of the unified command overseeing the Ceuta crisis, urged calm on Thursday.
Torres emphasized that all episodes of violence must be avoided. He added that any return of migrants to their home countries must be conducted strictly within the margins of the law.
