Federal Police: Last-Minute Shredding Fears
Germany Braces for Potential Surge in Illegal Border Crossings Ahead of Policy Shift
german Federal Police are anticipating a possible surge in attempts to illegally bring migrants into the country in the days leading up to a change in government and a meaningful shift in border policy.
New Border Policy Set to take Effect
On May 6, newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is expected to sign an order mandating the immediate rejection of migrants at all German borders. The directive, slated to take effect on May 7, will be implemented by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) through instructions to the Federal Police.
Dobrindt told BILD, “The first decisions will be made this wednesday after taking office. Border controls will be ramped up, and rejections will increase. However, there will be no border closures.”
Ending Merkel-Era Border Policy
Thousands of federal and state police officers have been preparing to end the border policy enacted by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) on Sept. 4-5, 2015. Merkel’s decision suspended the rule requiring individuals to possess valid documents if they had traveled through a safe third country – essentially all of Germany’s neighbors – on their way to Germany.
Dobrindt stated, “The numbers of illegal migration must come down. To ensure both humanity and order, we need control, clarity, and consistency.We are preparing national and European decisions to that end.”
Increased Border Patrol Presence
The Federal Police currently have 11,000 officers deployed at the borders. Several thousand more will be added as reinforcements.States are also sending additional personnel to the border region and its surrounding areas.
Thomas Strobl (CDU), Interior minister of Baden-Württemberg, announced “significantly increased controls in the border area by the state police.” He noted that baden-Württemberg police are already conducting road checks and covert investigations, notably in the border region with Switzerland.
Authorities are also increasing aerial surveillance, using helicopters to monitor routes used by smugglers in the border area and adjust control points accordingly.
strobl addressed concerns about potential traffic congestion, stating, “There will not be endless traffic jams at the southern borders, as claimed by opponents of the measures, and EU internal trade will not collapse, as some fear.” He added that the increased controls and rejections are aimed at “actively and sustainably combating organized crime involving human trafficking,smuggling,drugs,and weapons.”
Border Apprehensions
According to the Federal Police, 10,302 individuals have been turned away or deported directly at the border or in connection with illegal border crossings so far this year through the end of April.
Germany’s Border Policy Shift: A Q&A Guide
What’s happening at Germany’s borders?
Germany is bracing for a potential surge in attempts too illegally enter the country. This is largely due to an upcoming shift in border policy and an anticipated change in government.
What’s the new border policy?
Effective May 7th,a new directive is expected to be implemented. this policy, signed by newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will mandate the immediate rejection of migrants at all German borders. Interior Minister Alexander dobrindt is in charge of implementing this through instructions to the Federal Police.
Why is this policy changing?
The new policy marks an end to the policy enacted by former Chancellor Angela Merkel on September 4-5, 2015. This previous policy suspended the rule requiring individuals to possess valid documents if they had traveled through a safe third country.The goal is to reduce illegal migration and improve control, clarity, and consistency at the borders, according to Interior Minister Dobrindt.
What measures are being taken at the border?
several measures have been put in place and are being ramped up to control the border.These include:
- Increased Border Patrol Presence: The Federal Police are reinforcing their presence with thousands of additional officers.
- State Police Involvement: State police forces are also increasing controls, conducting road checks, and carrying out covert investigations, notably in areas near borders (such as the Swiss border).
- Enhanced Aerial Surveillance: Helicopters are being used to monitor routes used by smugglers,allowing authorities to adjust control points as needed.
What are the expected results of this policy shift?
Authorities aim to actively combat organized crime involving human trafficking, smuggling, drugs, and weapons. They also aim to bring down the numbers of illegal migration.
Are there concerns about traffic congestion at the borders?
Some opponents of the measures express concerns about traffic congestion.However, authorities, such as Thomas strobl of Baden-Württemberg, have stated that they don’t anticipate “endless traffic jams” or the collapse of EU internal trade as a result of these measures.
What’s the current situation regarding border apprehensions?
Here’s a look at the numbers reported by the Federal Police through the end of April:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals turned away or deported directly at the border or in connection with illegal border crossings (YTD) | 10,302 |
What further actions have been taken at the borders as september 16th?
Since September 16, “temporary internal border controls have been in place again at all land-based Schengen internal borders.” Here’s a breakdown of the results, according to the Federal Police, through the end of April:
| Action | Number |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized entries prevented | 33,406 |
| Individuals turned away or deported directly at the border or in connection with illegal border crossings | 21,393 |
| Individuals with re-entry bans for Germany prevented from entering | 1,247 |
| Suspected smugglers temporarily arrested | 835 |
| Outstanding arrest warrants executed | 4,723 |
| Individuals identified from the left-wing, right-wing, foreign extremist, or Islamist spectrum | 600 |