A town in Northern Ireland has witnessed a second night of violent anti-migrant protests, with hundreds of masked rioters attacking police and setting homes on fire. The unrest follows the arrest and court appearance of two 14-year-old boys accused of a serious sexual assault. Residents who are originally from the Philippines say they are feeling “extreme fear” after their homes were targeted.
The violence began as rioters smashed windows, set cars ablaze, and damaged property in the town of Ballymena, which has a large migrant population. The police have classified the attacks as racially-motivated “hate crimes.”
Philippine residents who live in the area have reported seeing masked men outside their homes, but claim they were not targeted specifically because of their nationality. However, some witnesses described seeing Union Jack flags being flown by locals to show solidarity with the British government.
The situation has raised concerns among migrant communities, with many feeling unsafe and unsure about their future in Northern Ireland. The police have warned of further violence on Wednesday and are bracing for a response from residents who have barricaded themselves into their homes.
The town’s Filipino community is particularly affected by the violence, with many families fleeing their homes to stay with friends or relatives outside the town. As one resident, Michael Sancio, said: “We feel extreme fear” after witnessing the violent protests and fearing for their safety.
Northern Ireland has a history of sectarian violence, but anti-migrant violence is rare in the region. The recent tensions have raised concerns about the impact on migrant communities and the need for greater understanding and support.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-11/filipino-families-flee-northern-irish-home-after-night-of-anti-immigrant-violence