A new xenophobia incident in Alicante has shaken the province, drawing attention to how prejudice can erupt in public spaces. In this case, a Venezuelan woman was attacked in the municipality of Rojales after a major traffic incident, triggering a broad wave of support for the victim and swift condemnation of the attackers across social networks.
Adriana González, a graphic design professor who taught at a major university in Venezuela before moving to Spain, described the confrontation: “In the lane I had to drive in, two drunk drivers coming from the opposite direction hit me head-on. When they realized I was Latina, their reaction turned hostile.”
According to González, the attackers, two visibly intoxicated women, subjected her to both physical and verbal abuse after their prejudice became evident. Witnesses say the aggressors directed their anger toward the fact that she is Latin American, and a video captured the incident in which the attack was carried out amid this xenophobic backdrop. In Alicante, a social media post with the video circulated rapidly, amplifying the discussion around hate crimes and public safety.
“You’re not welcome here, and your presence is a problem”
In the circulated footage, one assailant is seen confronting González with hostile remarks, suggesting that the police would intervene for a traffic offense, while asserting that the Latina woman did not belong in Spain. The confrontation reflects a moment when prejudice overrode legality, turning a traffic dispute into a case of ethnic hostility.
As González later explained, and as shown in the viral clip, after her partner contacted authorities, the assailants escalated the violence. They reportedly assaulted her and tried to attack González’s companion, forcing them to seek safety as onlookers intervened. The couple described being struck, scratched, or bitten during the struggle, with González managing to avoid a larger confrontation at that moment.
The incident prompted González to share several social media posts detailing the injuries sustained, including a cervical region strain, bites, swelling to the back of the head, and an ankle sprain. The posts have contributed to a wider conversation about xenophobia and the treatment of migrants and expatriates in Spain, and many viewers expressed solidarity with the victims while condemning the attackers’ behavior.
Reports from the Brazilian and Venezuelan communities emphasized the seriousness of hate-driven violence and highlighted the need for accountability. A number of prominent figures in the public sphere commented on the case, urging compassion for the victims and stressing that xenophobia has no place in Spanish society. The responses collected thousands of reactions, with many affirming the importance of lawful action and social responsibility in addressing these incidents.
One caption accompanying the widely shared video stated that Adriana González suffered an edema and cervical injury, documenting the serious nature of the assault while underscoring the impact on her daily life. The message also conveyed a call for justice and a reminder that violence based on ethnicity cannot be tolerated. In the wake of the event, González confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed with the authorities, seeking protection under anti-hate crime provisions and pursuing charges related to physical assault.
While the episode has sparked an ongoing dialogue about tolerance, inclusion, and the safety of migrants in Spain, it has also served as a reminder that a single act of prejudice can escalate into a dangerous confrontation. Community leaders have urged calm, insisting that the law must guide responses to these incidents and that victims deserve full support and protection. The unfolding story continues to be followed by local residents and international observers who are hopeful for a transparent investigation and a clear stance against xenophobia.