Video footage posted on YouTube showed dozens of protesters behind barriers near the Delta Marriott hotel, which has also been used to house asylum seekers.
Police stood in front of the barriers and some roads were closed with counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism also in attendance.
At one point, protesters appeared to clash with officers, with several skirmishes taking place between police and protesters.
In one video, protesters can be heard chanting: “You’re not English anymore.”
Councillor Corina Gander, the leader of Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire, said in a statement on Thursday that she “remains concerned” about the impact the use of the Delta Marriott hotel is having on local services.
The council said it has taken legal advice about use of the hotel and said it intends to take enforcement action.
“This action will help us to meet our objective of seeking the closure of the Delta Marriott hotel for housing asylum seekers,” Cllr Gander said.