A surge of approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco last week, though most swiftly returned home. Tragically, at least 88 people perished attempting the perilous journey. Despite EU officials asserting the Schengen area wasn’t threatened, media coverage largely framed the event as a security risk, boosting calls for stricter border controls. The crisis was exacerbated by misinformation and right-wing political narratives. Simultaneously, other global events unfolded, including significant oil company profits amid energy price hikes, concerns over an Israeli takeover of a key Muslim site in Jerusalem, and continued Russian strikes in Ukraine. Families are now desperately searching for loved ones lost during the attempted crossings.