Sure, but I would consider mines laid in a strait a barrier or fence, and I would consider the radiation at Chernobyl a barrier to entry, and I would consider a hedgerow a barrier or fence as well. I think it's important to specify the type of barrier or fence when discussing the removal of it, it's a long gray spectrum and not black and white.

It it generally legal in the USA to put a fence around my property, but it is not generally legal to put razor wire around my property, so even the US govt thinks there's a difference.

It's important to consider the words and the portrayal of events when discussing politically charged topics.