Police detained at least two people during a second evening of protests in Loosdrecht over plans to house asylum seekers in a vacant municipal building.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the former town hall on Rading street Wednesday night, April 22, 2026, according to local authorities. The protest, which was not formally announced to the municipality, began around 7:30 p.m. And quickly grew to between 200 and 300 participants.
Officers reported that some demonstrators threw eggs and fireworks toward police lines. In response, police deployed mobile units, conducted baton charges, and later used police dogs to disperse the crowd. A municipal spokesperson confirmed that the mayor issued an emergency order later in the evening to allow police to conclude the demonstration.
By 10:45 p.m., officials said the area had returned to calm. Similar unrest occurred the previous Monday, when police also cleared the area around the municipal building.
The proposed temporary shelter would house up to 100 asylum seekers for a maximum of six months, intended to ease pressure on the overcrowded reception center in Ter Apel.
