Ceuta, Spain — Spanish authorities have begun dismantling a large migrant camp on Trampolín beach in Ceuta, moving residents into temporary accommodation ahead of a visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The first phase of the operation began on Sunday, with about 1,100 people transferred from the camp to a temporary reception center for identification and processing.

More than 350 police officers were deployed to the beach, supported by the Guardia Civil and armored vehicles. The operation continued on Monday as authorities worked to clear the settlement.

Thousands had been living at Ceuta migrant camp

About 3,000 people had been living in tents and makeshift shelters at Trampolín beach, while local police have estimated the wider population of the settlement at more than 3,500.

Authorities said those moved from the camp would undergo identification before being processed either for possible return to Morocco or through asylum procedures.

Officials have warned that the clearance operation could be suspended if temporary accommodation reaches capacity.

Camp followed mass crossings from Morocco

The migrant camp emerged after more than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31.

Most later returned, but thousands remained in the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, increasing pressure on housing and other local services. The situation has also fueled tensions among residents and prompted protests.

Spanish royals set to visit Ceuta and Melilla

King Felipe and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit Ceuta on October 13 before travelling to the neighboring Spanish enclave of Melilla the following day.

The trip will mark their first visit to either Ceuta or Melilla since Felipe became king in 2014.