Unrest Erupts Outside Dublin Hotel; 30 Arrested Amid Protests

UPDATE: Unrest erupted outside the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on the night of October 22, 2025, leading to 30 arrests and injuries to three Gardaí. This chaotic standoff has drawn significant attention from both domestic and international far-right media.

The protest was sparked by the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in state care, reportedly by a 26-year-old man who has since been charged. The unrest quickly escalated, capturing the attention of outlets such as GB News and Rebel News, who labeled demonstrators as “patriots” standing against an alleged “mass immigration cult.”

Reports indicate that the protest was notably organized, differing from similar events that followed on Wednesday. Activists from across Europe, including far-right figures like Tommy Robinson, who has a following of 1.7 million on X (formerly Twitter), expressed their support through social media. Robinson highlighted the arrival of foreign reporters to cover the demonstration, suggesting a coordinated effort to amplify the anti-migrant sentiment.

The unrest was not isolated; international far-right influencers such as Martin Sellner, a prominent Austrian nationalist, called the protests a “revolt.” He echoed sentiments of discontent among the Irish, urging “remigration now,” a term associated with extreme nationalist policies aimed at reducing non-white populations.

As the situation unfolded, livestreamers from the UK and Spain garnered significant views, with one stream attracting approximately 90,000 views on YouTube. Ciarán O’Connor from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue stated that sensationalist narratives are increasingly shaping anti-migrant mobilizations, suggesting that local protests have global implications.

The Citywest Hotel, currently housing around 1,200 Ukrainian refugees and 460 international protection applicants, has become a focal point in the growing migration debate in Ireland. The protests have coincided with the upcoming presidential election, highlighting immigration as a critical issue, although recent polls show it ranks lower than housing and cost of living concerns.

Both Levant and GB News correspondent Dougie Beattie reported being pepper-sprayed by Gardaí during the chaos. Beattie raised questions about the police’s approach, suggesting a lack of transparency in handling the situation.

The unrest at Citywest has raised alarms about rising anti-migrant sentiments in Ireland, with O’Connor noting that social media plays a significant role in amplifying these views. As the protests continue, the eyes of both local and international observers remain fixed on Dublin.

As the situation develops, further updates will be provided. Readers are urged to stay informed about ongoing protests and their implications for immigration policies in Ireland.