Day One: Border Controls Remain Firm as New Government Takes Office
Customs and immigration checks continue uninterrupted at international boundaries. - Customs and immigration checks remain unchanged
Stepafn Döhn, representing the Federal Police Headquarters, assures: "We're carrying on as usual, no changes yet." On the inaugural day of the new federal government, there's no sign of alterations in border control measures, even amid rumors of strengthened reconnaissance and increased border patrols.
Alexander Dobrindt, the newly minted Interior Minister from the CSU party, declared his intent to intensify deportations of migrants and raise scrutiny at Germany's external borders upon assuming office. Initial decisions were anticipated for today.
Since mid-September of 2024, border controls have been reinstated at all external German borders. In February, the government extended these border controls at all external boundaries by six months, until September 15.
Focus on Illicit Migration
At the Trier control station, federal agents routinely inspect vehicles. In a sprawling metal structure at the checkpoint, passengers' documents are verified. Most proceed uninterrupted, while hundreds of autos undergo such checks daily.
Law enforcement is concentrating on intercepting illicit migrants, smuggling operations, and individuals with outstanding warrants. "We're consistently capturing key players," stated Dohhn, also providing fresh stats.
Illicit Border Crossings Rise
By the end of March, a total of 2,661 clandestine border crossings had been logged in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, thanks to the reinstated border controls. Among these, 1,694 individuals originated from France, 843 from Luxembourg, and 124 from Belgium, according to the Federal Police. 1,166 individuals were turned away at the French border, 513 at Luxembourg, and 73 at Belgium. A total of 56 smugglers were apprehended. Döhn cautioned that the March statistics were preliminary and subject to change. He concluded, "These controls prove to be effective and meaningful."
What's Ahead?
Pending directions from the Interior Ministry, Döhn cited uncertainty: "Once the orders come down, we'll adjust our approach accordingly." The specifics, such as personnel additions or new strategies, remain undefined. However, he guaranteed adaptability, stating, "Our teams can modify our operations swiftly to fit new requirements."
The border controls are labor-intensive and demand a substantial investment of time and personnel. Yet, according to Döhn, adequate assistance and coordination with other units will ensure their successful implementation.
Friction Along the Border
Stationary border controls contradict the EU Schengen regulations, which do not permit them. In Rhineland-Palatinate, a stationary checkpoint to Belgium remains intact on the A60. Both Saarland and Saarbrücken control entry traffic from Luxembourg and France, respectively.
A source of discontent in the border region is the delay endured by commuters en route home due to the checks. Over 50,000 German workers commute to Luxembourg, and the nation has voiced its discontent regarding the extension of the controls to the EU Commission in February.
- The Federal Police Headquarters, represented by Stephan Döhn, affirmed that there are no changes yet in the employment policy of border control measures, despite rumors of strengthened surveillance and increased patrols.
- During his assumption of office, Alexander Dobrindt, the new Interior Minister, announced his intention to intensify deportations of migrants and enhance scrutiny at Germany's external borders, with initial decisions expected today.
- In the general news category, the policy-and-legislation section has been featuring reports about the extension of border controls for six more months, specifically at Germany's external boundaries, as announced in February.
- At the crime-and-justice part of the general news, law enforcement agents have been focusing on illicit migration, smuggling operations, and individuals with outstanding warrants, as stated by Döhn.
- The politics section has also been reporting on the friction along the border, as stationary border controls contravene the EU Schengen regulations and have been a source of discontent among German workers commuting to countries like Luxembourg, who have voiced their concerns to the EU Commission about the delays caused by the checks.
