Spanish authorities have arrested nine individuals following a rare outbreak of anti-migrant violence in the southeastern town of Torre Pacheco, Murcia. The unrest, which spanned three nights starting Friday, was triggered by media reports that a 68-year-old local man had been assaulted by three youths of North African origin.

According to Torre Pacheco Mayor Pedro Ángel Roca, the violence was largely fueled by inflammatory content shared on social media, and many of those involved were not local residents. Vandals damaged public infrastructure and smashed car windows, prompting swift police action.

Mariola Guevara Cava, the central government’s representative in Murcia, stated that authorities had identified around 80 individuals linked to the unrest—many with prior violent criminal records. “The majority of them are not from Torre Pacheco,” she emphasized.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the original assault, while six Spaniards and one Moroccan national face charges ranging from hate crimes and vandalism to public disorder.

To contain the situation, the Civil Guard deployed 90 officers, with more reinforcements promised by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Adding to the tension, a far-right group called “Deport Them Now” circulated online messages inciting violence against migrants. In response, the Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants issued a statement condemning the attacks and calling for increased protection of migrant communities.

Mayor Roca highlighted that approximately 30% of Torre Pacheco’s population consists of immigrants, most of whom have lived in the town for over two decades and are employed as agricultural laborers.

Moroccans represent the largest foreign nationality in Spain, with over 920,000 residents according to the latest official data.

The incident has sparked national debate about xenophobia, misinformation on social media, and the need for stronger community integration and protection measures.