The sight of random movement of persons across borders has now felt frightening for people in the UK for years. While the same has been commonplace in mainland Europe, a sudden rush of tens of thousands into a Spanish territory from Morocco has reminded its citizens that security is there for a good reason.
The reaction by paid staff in remits that involve national security is crucial at these points. The population that pays for checkpoints, ID systems, and necessary uses of force expect it to be done for any nefarious purpose.
The definition of borders doesn’t have to suddenly be changed to meet charitable realities. This line of defence we have against innumerable threats to our lived space is so vital that in future we’ll have to live to protect it.
Spain is no doubt readying strengthening measures for all of its coastline, and not just in the places it calls its own. The reassurance that’s needed is a political pressure that’s put on governments to guarantee reliability in services.
