Ceuta residents form night patrols to chase migrants after border influx

Following the arrival of thousands of migrants through Ceuta’s Tarajal crossing, a number of locals have begun patrolling the city’s perimeters to prevent newcomers from entering residential areas. Volunteers block streets, monitor neighborhoods like Postigo, Los Rosales and Benítez, and use WhatsApp groups to share images and coordinate night searches on hills and breakwaters. One resident, Sandra López, encountered a migrant with injuries who said he feared police arrest, highlighting the migrants’ precarious situation.

Police have cautioned the patrols that they may face fines, and no detentions have occurred. Vox’s security spokesman defended the right to protect families, while extremist groups such as Núcleo Nacional and individual far-right activists were removed by police or protestors. The civilian efforts reflect growing tension over the remaining 2,000-6,000 migrants still in the enclave.