Homes vandalized in Noord-Brabant towns as part of campaign against asylum shelter

Several homes were defaced with abusive language in the Noord-Brabant towns of Engelen and Bokhoven on Sunday. These homes are believed to belong to people who support the arrival of an asylum shelter, the police confirmed following reports by Omroep Brabant.

Photos from the regional broadcaster show texts like “AMV nee,” “whore,” and swear words written on the homes’ facades. AMV stands for “alleenstaande minderjarige vreemdelingen,” Dutch for unaccompanied foreign children.

The police received multiple reports. According to a spokesperson, the exact number of homes involved is still under investigation.

Den Bosch, the municipality that covers Engelen and Bokhoven, announced early in April that it intends to open a long-term shelter for child asylum seekers at an industrial estate in Engelen. This sparked multiple protests, including one in which anti-asylum demonstrators blocked the nearby A59 highway.

Den Bosch Mayor Jack Mikkers has spoken personally with several affected residents and called the vandalism unacceptable and reprehensible. “We see that this has a huge impact and directly interferes with people’s personal lives. We deeply regret this. People must be able to feel safe, especially in their homes. Where we can support the residents, we will of course do so.”

The authorities are also examining statements previously posted online. “These are also causing concerns among residents. We realize that the arrival of an asylum shelter elicits reactions. There must be room for that. But it is absolutely unacceptable for people to express their dissatisfaction in this way and resort to this unacceptable act of intimidation and threats,” said Mikkers.