Barcelona homeless eviction operations have removed approximately thirty individuals from an encampment in Joan Miró Park this morning. Municipal police and social services coordinated the clearance of the settlement that had occupied the Eixample green space since summer.
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Urban Guard officers and Mossos d’Esquadra police arrived at first light to oversee the operation. They instructed the residents to gather their belongings and vacate the area surrounding the Joan Miró library. Furthermore, emergency social services staff and cleaning crews attended the scene to provide support and restore the public space.
Barcelona Homeless Eviction Follows Neighbourhood Complaints
The intervention proceeded without incident according to municipal sources. Consequently, the area around the library, which had been used as shelter by those experiencing homelessness, has now been cleared. The settlement had reportedly deteriorated significantly over recent months, generating numerous complaints from local residents about the degradation of public space.
Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle addressed journalists alongside CUESB director Maribel del Moral following the operation. He explained that authorities executed the clearance to ensure proper library functioning and reclaim public space. Nevertheless, he acknowledged ongoing concern about homelessness in the city.
Batlle emphasised the municipal government’s firm stance against invasive occupation of public areas. Additionally, he committed to preventing similar settlements from becoming permanent fixtures in Barcelona’s public spaces. The administration maintains it will continue social monitoring while offering assistance resources.
Social services confirmed no minors were present in the encampment. They provided group attention to approximately twenty affected individuals regarding alternative options. Meanwhile, personalised attention was arranged in two specific cases through homelessness and immigration services.
However, homelessness support organisations including Arrels and La Esquerra de l’Eixample Acull have criticised the operation. They lament the absence of dignified, long-term alternatives for those displaced by such clearances.
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