In the southeastern town of Torre Pacheco, Spain, a local leader of the anti-immigrant group Deport Them Now has been arrested by police for allegedly inciting a recent wave of riots aimed at immigrants. The group has gained notoriety through its use of hate-filled rhetoric on the messaging platform Telegram, contributing to a surge in violence that has stretched over four tumultuous days.
Identified only by his initials C.L.F., the suspect was taken into custody on Monday, with authorities also confiscating computers and attempting to shut down access to the group's Telegram channels. The unrest has particularly targeted the town’s North African community, leading to the destruction of businesses owned by Moroccan residents, including halal grocers and shawarma restaurants. Other immigrant communities, including those from Pakistan, Turkey, and Latin America, have also been affected as rioters vandalized their stores in the chaos.
As the situation escalated, officers from the civil guard and riot police were deployed in anticipation of further violence on Tuesday night. Already, multiple arrests have been made, with 11 individuals detained, 10 of whom are associated with far-right factions that traveled to Torre Pacheco.
Additionally, prosecutors in the region are looking into members of Vox, another political party linked to anti-immigrant sentiments, including its regional leader, José Ángel Antelo. His past commentary has been accused of fueling the hostility towards immigrants in the area, stirring up fears as Spain grapples with its fluctuating refugee and immigration policies amid a growing liberal approach.
