Unrest in Spain: Anti-Immigrant Riots Trigger Arrest of Far-Right Leader

The police in Torre Pacheco, Spain, have arrested the head of an anti-immigrant organization after four days of violence targeting local immigrants. The unrest showcases escalating anti-immigrant sentiment amid broader debates on immigration policy in the country.

In a significant development in Spain, the local authorities have arrested the leader of a far-right anti-immigrant group after violent protests erupted in Torre Pacheco, a town with a sizeable North African community. The individual, known by the initials C.L.F., is alleged to have instigated the riots which unfolded over four consecutive nights, characterized by clashes between demonstrators and police forces.

C.L.F. is associated with 'Deport Them Now,' a group notorious for its inflammatory rhetoric against immigrants, primarily communicated through the Telegram platform. The police apprehended him on Monday, accusing him of inciting the violence, and confiscated his computers while also trying to restrict access to the group's communication channels.

As unrest continued into the evening, Spanish officials reinforced security measures, deploying riot police and civil guard personnel across the town. The violence was primarily aimed at businesses owned by Moroccan residents, with rioters vandalizing restaurants and shops that cater to various immigrant communities including those from Pakistan, Turkey, and Latin America. Local inhabitants attempted to safeguard their properties and livelihoods against the turmoil.

The turmoil has seen a total of 11 arrests, with ten individuals linked to far-right movements believed to have traveled from other areas to participate in the chaos. In a related investigation, the regional head of the Vox political party, known for its vehement anti-immigrant stance, is under scrutiny for potentially inciting further unrest through hate speech. Vox's regional leader, José Ángel Antelo, a former professional basketball player, was elected on a platform criticizing Spain’s immigration policies, further complicating the clash of ideologies that has this town in turmoil.