Exploring Schuster's "Finding Group Frontier": An In-depth Analysis
The Interior Minister of Saxony, Armin Schuster, has established a new specialised unit called the Border Investigation Group (BIG). This group is designed to strengthen border control and combat cross-border crime in the region, particularly focusing on illegal activities such as human trafficking and unauthorised migration [1][5].
The BIG is expected to support coordinated investigations, data collection, and enforcement actions targeting cross-border criminal activities. By doing so, it aims to improve communication and joint operations with neighbouring countries, thereby reinforcing Saxony’s border integrity and public safety in the region [5].
Key impacts of the BIG include a greater investigative focus on organised cross-border crime, enhanced interdiction of illegal migration channels, stronger collaboration with international counterparts, and more effective use of biometric data and intelligence sharing [1][5]. These measures are expected to lead to improved security and a reduction of cross-border criminal activities.
The BIG will consist of 24 officers from the Saxon police, with 12 officers at each location, and will begin operations on October 1, 2025, at the Zittau location, and on November 1, 2025, at the Pirna location [1]. The existing investigation and competence centres, Soko Kfz and the Joint Investigation Groups (JIG), will play a crucial role in coordination and information exchange with the BIG [1].
However, not everyone is in favour of the BIG. Critics argue that it may be detrimental to the security of the people in the state, and that it is a symbolic political move aimed at addressing an issue that the CDU believes can help it poach voters from the AfD [1]. The opposition in the state parliament has declared the border policy to be senseless and even harmful [1].
Despite these criticisms, the establishment of the BIG reflects an increased governmental commitment to addressing cross-border crime challenges more efficiently [1][5]. The BIG will conduct random identity checks within a 30-kilometre-wide strip inland and will focus on the border region, specifically areas away from federal motorways [1].
It's important to note that the BIG will not have powers in the area of 'border protection' and will not carry out 'border controls'. These responsibilities remain with the Federal Police [1]. The effectiveness of the BIG is yet to be evaluated, but the reduction in the number of illegal border crossings in Central Germany from around 30,000 in the previous year to around 8,500 in 2024 may be indicative of the positive impact of such measures [1].
On August 7, 2025, Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster visited Görlitz to assess border control situations [1]. The creation of the BIG may cause harm by requiring additional personnel and material resources, potentially increasing the overall burden on the Saxon police [1].
In conclusion, the Border Investigation Group (BIG) is a new specialised unit established by the Interior Minister of Saxony, Armin Schuster, with the aim of enhancing border control and combating cross-border crime. While its effectiveness is yet to be definitively evaluated, the establishment of the BIG reflects an increased governmental commitment to addressing cross-border crime challenges more efficiently.
The Border Investigation Group (BIG) is anticipated to be involved in policy-and-legislation associated with combating cross-border crime, as it aims to improve communication and joint operations with neighboring countries. This specialised unit, designed for stronger collaboration and increased efficiency, is expected to impact the general-news landscape and focus on crime-and-justice issues, particularly organised cross-border crime and illegal migration.
Critics question the political impact of the BIG and claim it could potentially be a symbolic political move aimed at gaining support from specific voter groups, raising concerns regarding its potential implications on the safety and rights of the citizens within the state. This opposition in politics highlights ongoing debates about the role and effectiveness of such measures in the region.
