Clashes erupted in Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast, as tensions between residents and migrants who remain from a mass crossing in late July spiraled into violence. On Thursday, several dozen locals prevented Red Cross personnel from distributing food and water to migrants before setting fire to camps on Trampolín beach, the primary site where migrants have been sleeping rough. Police were involved in subsequent clashes.
The incidents followed the arrest of 12 migrants accused of throwing stones at a military vehicle, breaking its windows and injuring four soldiers inside. Earlier the same day, reports emerged of vigilante groups pursuing migrants through the streets. Journalists and film crews have also reported receiving threats.
At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, most swimming around a border fence. At least 100 people died during the mass crossing, according to the exclave's mayor. The vast majority returned to Morocco within hours, but several thousand remain, many children, and most are sleeping on beaches or streets.
Anti-migrant demonstrations earlier this month were largely peaceful but have become increasingly violent in recent days. The Spanish government has been accused by opposition parties of failing to handle the crisis. Ceuta's residents have complained of feeling unsafe and expressed concerns about the burden on public services.
Mayor Juan Jesús Vivas, a conservative, said the city has been under pressure and has a right to normality, adding that "the dignity of Spain is at stake."