A protest against immigration in Dublin escalated into violence on Tuesday night as demonstrators burned a police vehicle and attacked officers near a building housing asylum seekers, Ireland’s justice minister confirmed.
The unrest erupted in West Dublin, where more than 500 people gathered following the arrest of a man accused of assaulting a young girl nearby, according to The Irish Times. Videos shared on social media showed protesters waving Irish flags, chanting anti-immigrant slogans, and throwing bottles and fireworks at police.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the violence that has erupted, warning that attempts to exploit the assault case for political purposes would be met with a firm government response.
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“The weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected,” O’Callaghan said in a statement. “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response.”
Police confirmed that a man in his twenties had been charged in connection with the alleged serious assault of a female juvenile.
The leader of Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition party, told parliament on Tuesday that the suspect had reportedly been issued a deportation order in March. In response, O’Callaghan said he had requested a detailed review of the management of the individual’s asylum application.
The latest unrest comes almost two years after violent anti-immigrant riots broke out in central Dublin following the stabbing of three young children. While Ireland remains one of the few European countries without far-right representation in parliament, anti-immigrant groups have gained visibility in recent years through online campaigns and regular demonstrations calling for stricter immigration controls.
Authorities are now facing renewed pressure to prevent further escalation as tensions continue to rise in working-class neighbourhoods where asylum centres have opened. Police have not disclosed any arrests related to Tuesday’s rioting but said investigations are ongoing.
Ireland’s government has pledged to increase security presence around vulnerable sites and strengthen efforts to counter misinformation about asylum seekers circulating online.