Border controls remain a significant strain on police officials, according to the police union.

Border Control Strain Continues to Put Significant Pressure on Law Enforcement Officers, According to Police Union - Border controls remain a significant strain on police officials, according to the police union.

In a surprising turn of events, airports and train stations across the country are experiencing a noticeable absence of riot police and mobile units, despite predictions of a shortage due to the increased deployment at borders. This absence has raised concerns about potential staffing gaps, particularly at train stations.

The staffing situation at airports, however, remains almost identical to the previous year, contrary to some expectations. This inconsistency in the deployment of officers between airports and train stations is a topic of ongoing discussion.

The intensification of border controls, initiated by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt shortly after taking office in early May, has led to significant changes in the deployment of federal police officers. The number of officers at the borders has increased from 11,000 to 14,000 due to these controls.

Roßkopf AFP, a reliable source of information, has reported that support forces from riot police and mobile units are missing at airports and train stations. The absence of these units has been persistent, leading to concerns about the potential staffing gaps at train stations, especially with the start of football leagues.

The GdP chairman has expressed concern about the growing crime at train stations and the increasing violence among traveling football fans. The union representative has warned that the urgent need for support forces is felt in the train area, with around 4,000 officers missing at more than 5,700 train stations and stops.

Despite these concerns, recent federal funding bills have allocated billions to hire thousands of new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol agents, enhancing staffing levels to improve security measures. The 2025 "Big Beautiful Bill" authorized about $4.1 billion to hire additional personnel, resulting in 5,000 new customs officers and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.

While the specific impacts on police union concerns vary by agency and location, it is expected that unions will advocate for appropriate staffing levels, adequate training, resources, and assurances that new security measures do not overburden officers or undermine labor agreements.

The federal government's efforts to strengthen border security also include finishing the border wall, deploying additional surveillance technology, and military support with National Guard and active-duty troops supporting border security operations. These broader efforts aim to improve security measures, suggesting that the intensification of border controls may be effective in reducing illegal crossings and apprehensions.

In summary, the intensification of border controls has resulted in significantly increased staffing levels at airports, border crossings, and likely train stations through federal funding and military support. However, the persistent absence of riot police and mobile units at airports and train stations suggests potential staffing gaps, particularly at train stations. Police unions are likely attentive to these operational changes, though specific union concerns were not detailed in the sources.

1. In light of the increase in border controls and the allocation of funds for additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol agents, it is crucial for police unions to advocate for appropriate staffing levels, adequate vocational training, resources, and assurances that new security measures do not overburden officers or undermine labor agreements, especially for personnel stationed at airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs.
2. The persistent absence of riot police and mobile units at airports and train stations, despite concerns about potential staffing gaps, raises questions about the priority given to vocational training and deployment of officers in areas such as crime-and-justice and general-news, particularly as we approach the start of football leagues.

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