In Barajas, one of Madrid’s districts, ordinary evenings have given way to uneasy nights. Local residents, tired of waiting for change, have started to monitor the area themselves. The turning point came with the illegal occupation of a house, after which the neighborhood quickly took a turn for the worse. People put on reflective vests, gather in small groups, and head out onto the streets to escort their children home or simply walk their dogs. The atmosphere now feels more like spontaneous self-defense than peaceful coexistence.
The appearance of such patrols isn’t just a reaction to fear. It’s an attempt to regain a sense of security when official bodies seem unable to cope. But this comes with another risk: when residents take on roles meant for state authorities, it’s easy to cross the line between protection and persecution. Neighbors once close begin to suspect each other, and any stranger becomes the focus of scrutiny. Suspicion quickly turns into distrust, and distrust into stigmatization.
The word “insecurity” is heard more and more often, becoming a justification for new forms of control. People come to believe that only their personal involvement can improve the situation. But when everyone takes on the role of enforcer, the presumption of innocence disappears, and decisions are made emotionally. A mistake in this system can cost too much—for individuals and for the entire community.
Instead of strengthening the police or speeding up court proceedings, the authorities seem to have resigned themselves to the idea that residents will defend their homes on their own. This leads to a double crisis: the state loses public trust, while citizens are forced to take on responsibilities that are not theirs. As a result, order is not restored, but eroded. Unity becomes fragmentation, and security gives way to a new level of risk.
In Barajas, what you hear now is not only the voice of discontent, but also echoes of deeper systemic issues. The void left by state institutions is being filled by initiatives that could turn into even greater threats. Without effective institutions and clear rules, even the best intentions can have unpredictable consequences. Security is not built on night patrols and safety vests—it is only possible where the state fulfills its responsibilities.
