Fourteen people arrested after anti-migrant riots in southern Spain
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Riot police deployed in Torre Pacheco after anti-immigrant violence erupts in response to a viral assault video.
Fourteen Arrested After Anti-Migrant Riots Shake Southern Spain
Attack on Pensioner Sparks Unrest
Tensions flared in the southern Spanish town of Torre Pacheco after a 68-year-old man, Domingo Tomás Domínguez, was assaulted last Wednesday. Three young men of Moroccan origin were arrested in connection with the attack. Although the motive remains unclear, the incident quickly triggered unrest after a video surfaced on social media claiming to show the attack.
Viral Video Fuels Misinformation
Despite clarifications from police and the victim that the video was unrelated to the assault, social media was flooded with calls for retaliation. Armed groups began patrolling the streets, targeting individuals perceived to be of North African descent.
Far-Right Groups Mobilise Online and On the Ground
An extremist group known as “Deport Them Now” took to social media urging followers to carry out attacks on migrants. Authorities arrested a key figure of the group in Mataró, a town in northeastern Spain, on charges related to hate speech. Further messages called for three consecutive days of targeted violence against migrants this week.
Increased Police Presence and Detentions
Spanish police deployed over 130 officers from the Guardia Civil and local forces to restore order. So far, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest. Among those detained were three Moroccan nationals in their early 20s, none of whom are residents of Torre Pacheco. One was caught attempting to flee to France from the Basque region.
Escalating Violence over the Weekend
The worst of the violence occurred over the weekend. Hooded youths reportedly attacked vehicles and businesses while clashing with migrants. CCTV footage showed vandals damaging a kebab shop, and journalists on the ground witnessed bottles being thrown at riot police during confrontations.
Mayor Urges Calm Amid Fear
Pedro Ángel Roca, mayor of Torre Pacheco, urged the local migrant community to stay indoors and avoid confrontation. Many migrants, especially those working in the agricultural sector, now say they no longer feel safe. Some residents have lived in the town for more than two decades and are alarmed at the sudden wave of hostility.
Telegram Channel Shut Down After Incitement
An extreme-right Telegram channel allegedly promoted “hunts” targeting North Africans. The channel, used to coordinate incoming support from other regions of Spain, has been shut down by authorities.
National Leaders Respond to Crisis
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska condemned the violence and pointed to far-right groups, particularly the Vox party, for inciting hatred. Vox leader Santiago Abascal rejected blame and instead attacked Spain’s immigration policies, arguing they have led to insecurity and economic hardship.
Hate Crime Investigation Underway
Prosecutors in Murcia have opened a hate crime investigation into José Ángel Antelo, the regional head of Vox, who accused Spain’s main political parties of enabling the violence by allowing unchecked immigration.
Prime Minister Calls for Unity
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the unrest on social media, writing: “What we are seeing in Torre-Pacheco challenges us all. We must speak out, act firmly, and defend the values that unite us. Spain is a country of rights, not hate.”
A Community Divided
With residents now living in fear and tensions still simmering, the town of Torre Pacheco faces a crucial test of unity and resilience. Local officials and national leaders are under pressure to restore peace and rebuild trust among the town’s diverse population.
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