Six vehicles were burnt out and destroyed outside a property in Ballymena on Monday night in what is being treated as a race hate crime.
The attack happened at around 10.10pm on the Lisnevenagh Road near where six migrants live.
“I want to underscore that this was a highly dangerous and distressing incident,” Jim Allister said.
“Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside [their homes] — a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse.
“Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen. Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread.”
The North Antrim representative and TUV leader said “it is important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration”.
“These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment. They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy,” he added.
The PSNI confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and that the incident is being treated as arson with a racially-motivated hate element.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch,” a spokesperson said.
“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25.”
The landlord of the properties told BBC News NI he has been the victim of an “online hate campaign” and suspects the attack is related to his decision to house Filipinos.
Sam Carson expressed fears for his own safety and the wellbeing of his tenants who work for a large local business.
He described the occupants as “peaceful people, working hard” who have lived in the town for two years.
“Some people in Ballymena do not like foreign nationals, even though they are good working people, they don’t understand that,” Mr Carson said.
“Social media has a real problem with misinformation, and there seems there is nothing the police can do.”
The landlord said he had never experienced any trouble until the Ballymena riots back in June which have sparked “a hate campaign on TikTok”.
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has met with Mr Carson and spoken to the tenants’ employer.
“The PSNI is actively investigating this matter, and I would urge anyone with information to speak directly to the police,” he said.
“Our focus at this point must be on ensuring the safety and support of those affected.
“Unverified claims circulating on social media are not helpful, and it is vital that we allow due process to unfold.”
UUP MLA Jon Burrows condemned the “disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy”.
“I will be reaching out to Sam Carson today and I’ve already contacted the senior police team in the area to check on the progress of the investigation and I have requested additional patrols in the area to reassure the local community and to deter further attacks,” he added.
“I appeal to anyone with information about this crime to contact the PSNI or if they feel they cannot do so – to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111”.
North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan said “racism has no place in this community” as he urged anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “It is absolutely outrageous to learn that a number of cars were burned and destroyed outside a property on Lisnevenagh Road.
“This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stock image. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph.
News Catch Up – Tuesday 2nd September
“This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership.
“Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police.”