Engelen faces unrest over proposed refugee center for minors

The municipality of Den Bosch is facing significant local unrest regarding plans to house 50 unaccompanied minor refugees, aged 15 to 18, in Engelen. The proposed site is a former police station located at Beverspijken 2 on the De Vutter industrial estate.

Following the announcement by the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the municipality, residents have organized several protests. These demonstrations have escalated, with some protesters attempting to access the A59 highway. Law enforcement, including the mobile unit (ME), has been deployed during these incidents, resulting in arrests.

Due to the ongoing tension and the need for further dialogue with residents, the Den Bosch municipal council has postponed the final decision on the asylum reception center. Additional information sessions have been scheduled to address community concerns.