Anger at ‘racist’ sign near migrant reception centre in Tenerife
A debate has broken out in Tenerife after a far-right group placed a highly offensive and potentially criminal sign outside a centre for migrant minors in Puerto de la Cruz, sparking condemnation from local politicians and residents.
The sign, which appeared on Friday and remained in place for at least two days, was positioned directly opposite the reception facility in the heart of the city.
Despite the group’s small size, their message. warning of supposed “danger” in a “multicultural zone”, echoed a familiar pattern of racist, intolerant rhetoric associated with extremist movements across Europe.
Critics argue that ignoring such acts allows intolerance to spread unchecked. References were made to the historical mistake of staying silent in the face of hate, recalling the sentiment attributed to Martin Niemöller about the consequences of indifference.
The Puerto de la Cruz Council publicly denounced the incident on Sunday, highlighting the sign’s presence in one of the most visited parts of the city, opposite a well-known nightclub and close to Plaza del Charco, an area filled with bars, restaurants, and tourist accommodation. They criticised the delay in removing the sign, although by Sunday lunchtime it had been taken down.
Meanwhile, the city’s deputy mayor, David Hernández, reported removing an identical sign near the Town Hall, further confirming coordinated attempts by the far-right to spread hostile messages in public spaces.
Local leaders warn that normalising such behaviour risks escalating into direct attacks on young migrants who, they emphasise, cause no harm and have largely integrated into the community like any other residents, regardless of origin, background, or aspirations.
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