Communities in Crisis: Anti-Immigration Protests Spark Violence Across Northern Ireland
Date: June 25, 2025
By: UK Pulse
Northern Ireland, UK — A wave of anti-immigration protests has erupted across several towns in Northern Ireland, escalating into violent confrontations with police and sparking widespread concern over rising xenophobia and social unrest.
The protests began in Ballymena on June 9, following the arrest of two Romanian teenagers accused of sexually assaulting a local girl. Although the suspects denied the charges, the incident triggered a surge of anger, amplified by social media posts calling for a “peaceful protest” that quickly devolved into chaos.
Over the course of five consecutive nights, masked rioters attacked police officers, set fire to buildings and vehicles, and targeted properties housing immigrant families. The violence spread to other towns including Larne, Portadown, Coleraine, Lisburn, and Belfast
Key Statistics:
- More than 50 police officers have been injured in the clashes 1.
- At least 15 arrests have been made in connection with the riots 2.
- In Portadown, protesters used bricks and debris from derelict buildings to assault police forces.
- A leisure centre in Larne, which had been sheltering immigrant families, was set ablaze by rioters
- Social media mentions of Ballymena surged from 142 on June 8 to 78,300 on June 10, indicating the rapid spread of unrest-related discourse
The protests have been fueled by growing demographic changes and rising tensions over immigration, particularly in towns like Ballymena, which have seen rapid shifts in population makeup over the past decade.
Meanwhile, in Dover, a planned anti-immigration protest by the far-right group “Great British National Protest” was blocked by the Dover Harbour Board due to environmental concerns. The group’s leader, Richard Donaldson, condemned the decision and launched a crowdfunding campaign to challenge the ban legally.
The UK government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the protests, but local leaders and human rights organizations have called for calm and urged communities to reject hate-driven narratives.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the underlying causes of the unrest and the steps needed to foster unity and safety in increasingly diverse communities.
Voices from the Community:
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey condemned the appearance of anti-immigrant posters in Belfast, stating:
“It is sickening these posters have been erected in this part of south Belfast – a clear and deliberate threat to international members of our community. I am urging political and community representatives to show leadership and demand the immediate removal of this vile material. There can be no place for the hateful attitudes that fuel these actions – in any part of our society” 2.
Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan added:
“We are in a housing crisis, that is a fact, but that is a result of the failure of Stormont and the executive parties who have failed communities for decades. In the current climate, I utterly condemn any attempt to stir up tensions and misdirect anger towards people who are not the reason why we have a lack of housing. It's unhelpful at its best, and encouraging racism at its worst. There is no place for that here”2.
Housing Executive Spokesperson responded to the unrest by emphasizing inclusivity:
“We understand that challenges with housing supply across Northern Ireland are frustrating for those waiting for a social home. However, the ethos of the Housing Executive is, and always has been, the fair and impartial allocation of homes to all of those who need them. We work proactively to promote inclusivity in our estates and build supportive and cohesive communities”