After the late-July migrant surge into Ceuta, Europe's border held, but for the thousands of migrants, lured by misleading social media campaigns, it was anything but the safe passage they were promised.

Roughly 72,000 migrants entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in a matter of days. About 70,000 later left, while more than 70 people died during the crossing.

The EU says no significant onward movement reached mainland Spain or continental Europe, preserving the integrity of the Schengen area. But migrants who returned to Morocco describe hunger, sleeping outdoors and fear.

One event, viewed through two lenses – security and survival – has laid bare Europe's illegal migration dilemma.