Following an assault on a 68-year-old man, social media misinformation fueled anti-migrant riots in Torre Pacheco, Spain, resulting in arrests, increased police presence, and calls for community solidarity amid rising tensions.
Tensions Rise in Southern Spain Amid Anti-Migrant Protests

Tensions Rise in Southern Spain Amid Anti-Migrant Protests
A series of riots ignited by an attack on a pensioner led to fourteen arrests in Torre Pacheco, causing heightened anxiety among the local immigrant community.
In Torre Pacheco, a small town in southern Spain, social media misinformation has ignited anti-migrant riots that have led to the arrest of 14 individuals. The unrest began after a video was shared online, related to an attack on a 68-year-old man, Domingo Tomás Domínguez, who described being assaulted during his morning walk. Although the police stated the video was unrelated, it fueled hostility against the town's significant immigrant population, believed to be mostly North African.
Three young men of Moroccan descent have been arrested in connection with the attack on Mr. Domínguez, but their motives remain unclear. As the unrest escalated, groups armed with weapons, including batons, began patrolling the streets. A calls for violence from the far-right group, "Deport Them Now," were amplified through social media, prompting fears of further confrontations.
By the weekend, clashes erupted between far-right groups and North African residents, with reports of vandalism against minority-owned businesses. A CCTV video captured youths vandalizing a kebab shop amidst the chaos, drawing attention to the rising cycle of violence. Local authorities, including Mayor Pedro Ángel Roca, pleaded for the migrant community to stay safe and not confront the rioters.
In response to the unrest, the police presence has been significantly increased, involving over 130 officers to maintain public order. Additional arrests were made, including a member of a far-right group detained for inciting hate speech. Political figures like Vox leader Santiago Abascal have denied responsibility for the riots, instead attributing the violence to mass immigration policies that they claim undermine national stability.
As tensions in Torre Pacheco remain high, the events have drawn condemnation from various political leaders, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who emphasized the importance of unity and denounced hate in society. The local community, many of whom rely on the agricultural sector, now grapples with fears for their safety and their standing in a town that has historically welcomed them. With ongoing investigations and heightened security measures, the situation remains fluid as authorities work to restore peace.