A recent anti-immigrant riot in Northern Ireland has reignited historical tensions, with a bonfire topped with an effigy of a migrant boat and multiple homes set on fire. The incident in Ballymena, which occurred last month, has drawn comparisons to the violent tactics employed during the Troubles, a period of sectarian conflict that primarily targeted Irish Catholics. The unrest is believed to have been triggered by the arrest of two boys in connection with an alleged attempted oral rape of a teenage girl. The violence has raised concerns about the potential resurfacing of old grievances and the impact of recent social issues on community relations. Political leaders have called for calm, emphasizing the need to address underlying issues rather than resorting to violence. The situation highlights the fragility of peace in the region and the challenges of managing modern social tensions within a historically divided society.