Since July 11, 2025, anti-immigration riots have shaken southern Spain, fueled by online hatred raids and the massive diffusion of racist slogans by far-right groups. This article aims to unpack the developments surrounding these events and their repercussions on the local communities and political landscape.
The spark of these riots was ignited online, where extremist groups launched racist slogans calling for the “hunting” of individuals of foreign origin. This surge of online animosity followed the assault of a pensioner in southern Spain, as detailed by El País.
On the night of July 11, the first riots erupted in Torre Pacheco, a municipality of approximately 40,000 residents. These disturbances rapidly extended across parts of the country, creating a climate of fear as the government struggled to control the rise in racial hatred . Accusations have been levied against the opposition party, Vox , by left-leaning politicians and experts in misinformation.
Act 1: The Assault of a Retiree
A photograph depicting a retiree attacked in Torre Pacheco while on a morning walk became a catalyst for widespread outrage. According to the victim, he was assaulted by a man who “spoke his language,” as reported by The Del Murcia Opinion. This incident served as a narrative launching pad for social media, igniting a belief that foreign nationals were attacking vulnerable Spanish citizens.
Act 2: Rise of Online Hatred
The attack on the retiree, along with memories of similar incidents, provided an excuse for uninhibited online racism . A young individual responded to the image of the elderly victim with the chilling statement: “No more impunity. No more abandonment. Quartier per neighborhood, we regain control.” This rhetoric quickly transitioned into calls for public action, with individuals pledging to converge on Torre Pacheco the following day.
However, it is important to note that the highly publicized assault of this retiree is not uniquely attributable to an individual of foreign origin. While online sentiments cast blame on entire communities, an investigation remains ongoing with no clear conclusions. The victim himself has not called for revenge or the scapegoating of any group, stating plainly, “I don’t want violence,” as reported by Murcia’s Opinion.
Act 3: Racist Riots
As reported by witnesses, “If the ultras grab you alone, they beat you up.” The anti-immigration riots escalated on July 11, continuing for several consecutive evenings. Masked groups, sometimes armed with sticks or even machetes, roamed the streets of Torre Pacheco, expressing their vitriol by proclaiming “Clean Spain.”
The Civil Guard has been engaged in nightly confrontations with these rioters, who primarily target the neighborhoods inhabited by the city’s Moroccan community and commercial establishments, particularly kebabs . The government refers to these disturbances as “isolated but controlled,” although the reality on the ground seems more chaotic.
Act 4: Political Recovery
Adding fuel to the fire, several officials from the far-right party, Vox , disseminated false information regarding the retiree’s assault and the subsequent riots, sharing images of those they alleged were involved in the attacks. One of the first individuals to circulate this misinformation was Vox marketing manager Pablo González Gasca . This has led to accusations from the Socialist Party of the Region, particularly its secretary general, Francisco Lucas , who announced plans to file a complaint against José Angel Antelo , the regional spokesperson for Vox, for “alleged hatred crime.” Lucas accused Antelo of exploiting societal tensions for electoral advantages, especially in light of Vox’s recent proposal for “remigration,” which seeks to massively expel foreigners.
The ongoing situation in southern Spain serves as a reminder of the powerful interplay between online discourse and real-world actions. As tensions remain high, communities grapple with the societal fallout of these events, raising critical questions about immigration, identity, and belonging.