In the second week of December 2024, the city of Lisbon witnessed a disturbing event that raises questions about human dignity, xenophobia, and political manipulation. A police operation in the Martim Moniz neighborhood, one of the city’s multicultural hubs, resulted in shocking images: dozens of people, most of them immigrants, lined up against walls in what seemed more like a public humiliation than a legitimate security measure. For a country often praised as a bastion of hospitality and tolerance, this event marks a critical turning point.

From a hospitable nation to a stage of exclusion

Portugal, traditionally recognized for its hospitality and often described as one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for tourists, has tested this reputation in recent years, particularly in its treatment of immigrant communities. Martim Moniz, a vibrant and diverse area of Lisbon, has become a focal point of social and political tensions, often linked to narratives of crime and disorder—narratives that are largely unfounded or disproportionately exaggerated.

More concretely, Martim Moniz is a microcosm of globalization in Portugal: a square and adjacent street that host communities from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China. While its residents and shopkeepers play a vital role in both the local and national economy, they are often targets of discrimination due to their origins and skin color. This episode is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of a global problem: the growing use of immigrants as scapegoats for social issues.

Real security vs. the feeling of insecurity

One crucial aspect of this incident that demands broader analysis is how the feeling of insecurity is being manipulated to justify disproportionate and humiliating actions. Official data shows that the biggest sources of insecurity in Portugal are unrelated to immigrants, stemming instead from issues like domestic violence and traffic accidents—problems that require attention but remain largely overlooked. Yet, the Portuguese government and certain political groups, specifically from the right, have chosen to place the blame squarely on immigration, stoking fear and polarizing society.

This phenomenon is not unique to Portugal. In many countries, real insecurity is replaced by the manipulation and instigation of perceived insecurity as a political tool. By exploiting fear of the “other”—the immigrant, the refugee, the marginalized—many political leaders, especially from conservative and radical right-wing factions, mobilize popular support, divert attention from structural problems, and justify exclusionary policies. In Portugal, while the current government has been center-right, there has been a noticeable alignment with the ideals of the Portuguese far-right party CHEGA, particularly in their approach to internal security, seemingly attempting to capitalize on their electorate.

The instrumentalization of xenophobia

Alongside this, the police operation in Martim Moniz must be viewed within a broader political context. In recent years, political discourse in Portugal has been influenced by global trends of populism and xenophobia. Far-right parties and groups have capitalized on increased immigration to promote exclusionary agendas, portraying immigrants as a threat to security and national identity, thus intensifying the feeling of insecurity and, consequently, violence and hostility. This discourse, though contrary to reality, has resonated with some segments of the population, particularly in times of economic uncertainty—a fertile ground for such ideas.

The sight of people with darker skin, in a street known for immigrant commerce and housing, being lined up against a continuous wall under the watchful eyes of armed police, serves as a stark visual reminder of how xenophobia can manifest in state actions. For those familiar with Europe’s history, these images evoke horrifying memories of past authoritarian regimes where minority exclusion was normalized.

Plot twist! The only person detained, in the end, was a Portuguese citizen.

A call for human dignity

This incident serves as a warning about the dangers of normalizing the dehumanization of migrant communities. This is not just a Portuguese issue—it is global. As immigration rises worldwide due to conflicts, climate change, and economic inequality, societies face the challenge of balancing security with inclusion. When countries like Portugal—historically seen as models of hospitality—succumb to the logic of fear and exclusion in such shocking scenes, it is time to pause and reflect. We must ask: at what point did we lose empathy and humanity?

At this juncture, Portugal faces a choice: it can continue to be an example of hospitality, driven not by skin color, economic status, or the countries of origin of those involved but by their shared humanity as people and families. It can uphold multicultural coexistence and respect for human dignity. Or it can follow the path of other nations that, in the name of security, have sacrificed the values of empathy and solidarity.

The call from progressive groups in Portugal reacting to this incident resonates globally: “We will not let them line us up against the wall again.” These words echo Europe’s darkest historical chapters, where entire communities were persecuted and ostracized. Today, it is vital that Portugal and the world learn from the past and reaffirm the values of justice, equality, and humanity. Security should never come at the cost of anyone’s dignity.