Street Clashes Erupt in Spain, Multiple Towns Amid Migrant Violence

In Torre Pacheco, Spain, violent clashes erupted following the brutal daylight assault on a 68-year-old man by a group of young Moroccan migrants, which ignited long-simmering tensions over illegal squatting, drug trafficking, and crime in migrant-heavy neighborhoods. Local residents, frustrated by perceived government inaction and insufficient police resources, took to the streets for several nights, leading to riots, reciprocal attacks between Spanish youths and migrant gangs armed with knives and machetes, and multiple arrests. The Civil Guard and local police deployed special units, but their efforts were criticized as prioritizing the protection of migrant communities over restoring public safety. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska blamed right-wing party VOX and organized groups for inciting unrest, while community leaders highlighted growing weariness over escalating crime rates. The violence drew sharp reactions from politicians, with some condemning what they called racist persecution and others emphasizing the need to address crime and security concerns to prevent further disorder. The unrest reflects broader societal strains related to migration policies and integration challenges in Spain and Europe.