Police Launch Major Operation at Illegal Settlement in Arona, Tenerife
Authorities in Arona, Tenerife, have launched a major police operation to identify residents of the Los Vivitos settlement as part of a legal effort to restore urban order on protected agricultural land.
A major police operation began early this morning in the Los Vivitos area of Arona, Tenerife, signaling a shift in how the local government is handling illegal settlements on rural land. According to Diario de Avisos, the operation involves a significant security presence, with the Civil Guard, Canary Islands Police, and local officers deploying over thirty vehicles to secure the site.
The primary goal of the operation is to identify the residents living on this land. Because the area is zoned for agriculture and is not designated for housing, it lacks the basic infrastructure needed for human settlement. The Arona City Council is using this identification process to move forward with legal proceedings to restore urban order. Officials have already notified nearly 96% of the households involved, following a census conducted through previous site visits.
Located between Guaza and Buzanada and visible from the TF-1 highway, the Los Vivitos settlement has grown steadily. It is currently home to approximately 250 people across more than 47 family units—a number that has risen significantly in recent months.
Authorities have clarified that this operation is not an immediate eviction. Instead, it is a technical step intended to help the council manage the land according to local regulations. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing legal land-use requirements with the needs of a vulnerable population that has turned to this rural area for housing due to a lack of other options. By formally identifying the occupants, the City Council aims to resolve the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the use of this land.