The police in Spain apprehended a local leader identified as C.L.F. from the group Deport Them Now on accusations of inciting violent protests against immigrants in Torre Pacheco. This unrest, which erupted over the weekend, led to widespread property damage, especially impacting businesses recognized as catering to Moroccan, Pakistani, Turkish, and Latin American communities.

C.L.F. was arrested on Monday, with authorities claiming he used platforms like Telegram to spread incendiary messages that triggered the violence. In an attempt to thwart further unrest, police seized his computer equipment and imposed restrictions on access to the group's online channels.

Torre Pacheco's tensions reached a boiling point as clashes between rioters and law enforcement persisted, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals associated with far-right factions, many of whom traveled from neighboring areas. Local officials braced for continued violence on Tuesday, deploying riot police in anticipation of further protests.

The public violence is among the most severe witnessed in Spain in recent times, challenging a government that has increasingly liberalized immigration laws. Notably, prosecutors in the Murcia region are also looking into the activities of Vox, another far-right political group, whose rhetoric against immigration may have incited further aggression. Its regional leader, José Ángel Antelo, a former basketball player, might face scrutiny for his vocal opposition to the current immigration policies.

The unrest has not only jeopardized community safety but also sparked a broader conversation about immigration policy and tolerance towards diverse populations in Spain.