Explaining why tens of thousands of "Moroccans" swim in hopes of migrating to "Spain".
On 2 August 2026, just a few days earlier, images showed Moroccans attempting to swim across the border to Ceuta, a city under Spanish territory, to escape their country. They resorted to this despite the life-threatening risks posed by swimming across the river.
However, one migrant swam with a notably professional and calm technique, unlike the others. He also held a camera with a selfie stick, filming himself swimming swiftly.
Internet users flooded the comments, with many expressing a desire to swim like that.
- I wish I could swim like that.
- He would definitely win a gold medal if he swam for the Spanish national team.
The question is, why do they risk swimming to migrate to Spain?
Between 30 and 31 July, about 50,000 Moroccans attempted to flee to Ceuta, one of the two land borders of the European Union connecting to Africa. This city has become a prime destination for those seeking economic opportunities, asylum, or to continue to mainland Spain. Some tried to climb over fences; others swam, hoping for a better life. However, most ultimately had to return to Morocco because Ceuta lacked sufficient food, drinking water, and shelter to support them. Many shops closed due to safety concerns, and migrants could not proceed to mainland Spain.