Spain claims that around 70,000 out of 72,000 migrants who flooded into Ceuta illegally last week have been sent back to Morocco. Sounds like a strong, decisive action, right? But let’s not kid ourselves; this is likely just a PR stunt designed to mask the reality of a crisis the European Union is ill-equipped to handle. The EU and its member states have been notoriously ineffective when it comes to managing unauthorized migration, and they’re scrambling for a band-aid solution while hoping the media will play along.

Now, let’s look at how the media spins this. Outlets like CNN will undoubtedly focus on the humanitarian angle, showcasing heart-wrenching tales of families separated and lives disrupted. Meanwhile, Fox News might hammer on the narrative of ‘illegal immigrants overwhelming our borders,’ completely sidestepping the broader systemic failures that lead to such mass movements. It’s the classic “whataboutism” from both sides, trying to rally their respective bases while glossing over the complexities of geopolitics.

But let’s be real—this wave of migrants is a symptom of deeper issues, including conflict, instability, and economic despair in their home countries. Spain’s heavy-handed response plays directly into the hands of those who want to stoke fear rather than delve into real solutions. Disassembling this narrative reveals a desperate attempt to control the ongoing narrative while ignoring a humanitarian crisis that needs thoughtful solutions rather than slapdash returns.