A recent analysis by NOS reveals that a small, consistent core of activists is present at a significant number of asylum protests across the Netherlands. Examining footage from 48 protests in 25 locations since September, and over 7,000 Facebook posts, the investigation found the same individuals repeatedly participating. One individual was identified at 31 of the 48 protests, while another appeared at 21. These activists often initiate demonstrations through online calls to action and consistently position themselves at the forefront of protests. While local residents expressing concerns about asylum seeker centers form a large part of the demonstrations, these core groups, including “Defend” groups originating from COVID-19 protests, are a driving force. The latest violent protest occurred in Wijk bij Duurstede, resulting in property damage and seven arrests. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) previously identified similar groups as potentially far-right influenced “anti-government groups.”