The crisis in Ceuta, on the African coast, instantly became a touchstone in the global migrant debate as suspicions swirled that the viral incident was orchestrated.

Hundreds of migrants from Morocco have swum into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta over the last week.

The influx triggered a chaotic humanitarian crisis and a flurry of fierce political attacks on both sides of the Atlantic.

The pro-immigration leader is facing backlash at home and abroad after roughly 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave.

Around 50,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta this week, a mass influx that overwhelmed local authorities. At least 57 people died during the crossings, which prompted tighter border security measures across Europe.

President Donald Trump declared the sudden influx of migrants to Ceuta, Spain, this week a "talking point for the midterms," alleging the U.S. would see illegal immigration at levels "much worse" if Democrats were to take power—but the situation in Ceuta is driven by a combination of geographical and policy factors incomparable with anything that could happen in the U.