Nine individuals detained in the south of Spain
The town of Torre Pacheco, located near the Mediterranean coast in the region of Murcia, has been rocked by three nights of violent clashes between far-right extremists and migrant communities. The unrest was triggered by a racially charged attack on a 68-year-old local man on July 10, 2025.
The assault, which was filmed and widely shared on social media, sparked outrage among far-right groups who allegedly called for a "hunt for migrants" in Torre Pacheco. This incident, according to the delegate of the Spanish central government in the region of Murcia, Mariola Guevara, fueled rumors and xenophobic sentiments.
The far-right political party Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, has been accused by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska of being responsible for the riots. Abascal, in turn, has accused the left-wing government of being behind various crimes, including rapes, knife attacks, and violence on the streets.
Mayor Pedro Ángel Roca, however, emphasized that Torre Pacheco has crime, but he does not ask for help from far-right groups. He stated that around 30% of the town's 40,000 inhabitants are migrants, most of whom have been living in Torre Pacheco for over 20 years and have children born there.
Despite an increased police presence, a large number of younger men gathered again in Torre Pacheco, armed with baseball bats, throwing bottles, stones, and Molotov cocktails at the officers, and setting fire to trash cans. Nine people have been arrested during the riots, with two of the alleged perpetrators among those arrested.
President Pedro Sánchez has reacted to the news, stating that racism is incompatible with democracy and called for decisive action against it. He called for "mass deportations of illegals" and the expulsion of legal migrants who commit crimes. However, such calls have been met with criticism and concern over the potential impact on community cohesion.
The situation remains tense, with continued police presence and public appeals for calm in the town. The violence underscores wider European challenges related to migration, integration, and extremist politics.
The town of Torre Pacheco, embroiled in a violent clash between far-right extremists and migrant communities, has seen its employment policy subjected to scrutiny due to the influx of migrants. Moreover, the general-news sphere, including politics and crime-and-justice segments, has been ablaze with discussions about the town's migration situation and the role of far-right groups in the unrest.
