Arrests Made as Anti-Refugee Protests Turn Violent in Houten and Uithoorn, Netherlands

Anti-Refugee Protests Erupt in Dutch Towns

Anti-refugee protests in the Dutch municipalities of Houten and Uithoorn escalated into violence on Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025, resulting in multiple arrests. Demonstrators in both locations threw fireworks and eggs, and chanted racist slogans, prompting intervention by riot police. The unrest is linked to local councils' plans to establish new asylum centers.

Incidents and Arrests in Houten

In Houten, near Utrecht, approximately 100 people participated in a demonstration outside the town hall, protesting against the proposed establishment of a refugee center. The Houten council is considering plans to house 337 refugees in an industrial area on the outskirts of the town. During the protest, which reportedly drew around 300 participants earlier in the evening, some individuals engaged in disruptive behavior, including throwing fireworks and eggs at counter-protesters and police. Riot police were deployed to manage the situation, leading to the arrest of at least three people.

Events Unfold in Uithoorn

A similar scene unfolded in Uithoorn, south of Amsterdam, where several hundred people gathered outside the town hall. The Uithoorn council is evaluating proposals to provide housing for approximately 250 refugees. The demonstration, which began peacefully, turned volatile as protesters marched through the town. Reports indicate that some demonstrators carried the 'Prinsenvlag,' a version of the Dutch flag historically associated with the Dutch Nazi party and now used by the far-right. Protesters threw fireworks and eggs at a small group of counter-protesters and at the police. The mayor of Uithoorn, Pieter Heiliegers, expressed regret that the demonstration devolved into riots, stating, 'We will not accept threats, violence and disruption of the democratic process.' At least five people were detained in Uithoorn following the disturbances.

Broader Context and Official Response

These incidents in Houten and Uithoorn are part of a broader trend of escalating protests against asylum centers and shelters across the Netherlands in recent weeks, which have led to dozens of arrests nationwide. Local authorities are facing increasing pressure from the government to create more accommodation for asylum seekers amidst a continuing shortage. The deployment of riot police in both Houten and Uithoorn underscores the authorities' commitment to addressing public disorder and maintaining safety during these contentious demonstrations.