Two underage migrants were injured in a knife attack on Thursday in the La Marina neighbourhood of Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on Morocco's northern coast, as the city grapples with an unprecedented migration emergency. The National Police intervened after the altercation, and emergency services treated the youths for cuts around their ankles. The incident underscores the growing social and security pressures facing the city, which has seen tens of thousands of arrivals in recent months.
Ceuta's authorities are struggling to provide even basic shelter for those who remain. With official reception centres overwhelmed, many migrants have resorted to sleeping in garages, parked cars, and empty vans. In some neighbourhoods, rooftop spaces are being offered for around €12 per night. Police and the Civil Guard have identified so-called "patera flats" — apartments packed with up to 30 people, most of them minors. Local residents have voiced frustration, accusing some landlords of profiting from the desperation of newcomers.
Health alert at Trampolín beach
Adding to the crisis, Ceuta's Department of Health has issued a warning about the water quality at Trampolín beach, where a migrant encampment remains in place. Tests conducted on 23, 25, and 28 September revealed very high concentrations of intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli, exceeding the limits set for coastal waters. The report, released on Friday, concludes that there is a "health risk" associated with contact with the water. In response, authorities have decided to erect fencing on Benítez beach to prevent new encampments from forming in the bathing area.
The migration surge has also strained public services. The local branch of the UGT union has demanded "sufficient resources" to maintain service quality and protect workers. It called on the government for a coordinated plan to safeguard public services and restore normality in the city. The union's plea reflects broader concerns that Ceuta's infrastructure — already stretched thin — may not cope if arrivals continue at the current pace.
The situation in Ceuta has drawn international attention, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing support for Spain and urging firm EU action. As reported by European Pulse, Macron backs Spain over Ceuta, highlighting the need for a unified European response. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities have ordered an investigation into alleged abuse of migrants by soldiers in Ceuta, further complicating the city's efforts to manage the crisis humanely.
The stabbings and the beach contamination are the latest symptoms of a deeper malaise. Ceuta, like Melilla, serves as a gateway to Europe, and the pressure is unlikely to ease without sustained EU support. For now, the city's residents and migrants alike face a precarious daily reality, with violence, disease, and inadequate housing threatening to spiral out of control.
