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Facilities database › 🇪🇸 Spain

🇪🇸 Spain · Almería

CATE Almería

Reception centre Former government property 📍 Puerto de Almería, Muelle de Poniente, 04002 Almería Capacity: 236 Converted: 2021

Was: State-owned port authority infrastructure (Muelle de Poniente).

CATE Almería (Centro de Atención Temporal de Extranjeros) is a primary reception and identification facility situated in the Port of Almería. It is operated by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in coordination with humanitarian organizations.

Context & Operations: The facility is designed to temporarily hold migrants arriving by small boats (pateras) along the Andalusian coast for a maximum of 72 hours. During this period, authorities conduct identity verification and initial security processing, while the Red Cross (Cruz Roja) provides emergency medical screening and basic humanitarian assistance. A modernized modular complex was inaugurated at the Muelle de Poniente in 2021 to replace older, makeshift holding areas.

Conditions: Due to Almería's geographic proximity to North Africa, the coastline frequently receives high numbers of arrivals. This periodically pushes the CATE beyond its baseline capacity, drawing scrutiny from legal observers regarding detention conditions and the logistical strain on the port's commercial operations.

Location

Official contacts & outreach

Requests we have sent to councils, mayors and local authorities about this facility, with the status of their response.

Subdelegación del Gobierno en Almería Local authority Awaiting response
  • Requested: 8 Oct 2026

What we asked: 1. Please provide a detailed demographic and statistical breakdown (including country of origin, age demographics, and religious affiliation, if recorded) of the individuals held at CATE Almería since the new modular facility opened in 2021.
2. What was the total financial expense, including maintenance, catering, and security contracts, for the operation of the facility over the last three financial years?
3. Please provide copies of any formal community consultation documents or correspondence with the Almería City Council and the Port Authority regarding the local community's consent and whether they were consulted about the placement of this holding facility in the port.

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