Saxony institutes a new 'Border Investigation Unit' - Saxony Forms New Foreign Investigation Unit
Saxony Strengthens Border Controls with New Investigation Group
Saxony, a German state bordering Poland and the Czech Republic, is set to enhance its border control measures with the establishment of the Saxony Border Investigation Group (FGG). The FGG, which will commence operations in Görlitz and Pirna by October 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025, respectively, is aimed at deterring illegal migration and combating cross-border crime.
The FGG will play a pivotal role in securing the border regions, particularly in strategically important towns like Görlitz and Pirna. These towns, where different national jurisdictions meet, require effective governance to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and trafficking. The FGG will coordinate with Polish and Czech authorities, support regional cooperation frameworks, and enhance community safety in these sensitive border areas.
Armin Schuster, the Interior Minister of Saxony, has welcomed the extension of border controls announced by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Schuster expressed support for Dobrindt's decision, stating that it aligns with Saxony's interests. Schuster visited Görlitz to assess the impact of border controls and reported positive progress in reducing migrant numbers in the town.
Saxony's Premier Minister, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), proposed the idea of a standalone border police during his election campaign. However, Schuster acknowledged that the state currently lacks the financial resources to significantly expand its border police. The recommended staff for the FGG ranges from 327 to 660 border police officers, but recruitment from the state police is not feasible due to the large number required.
The FGG will coordinate with existing joint investigation groups of the state and federal police, as well as a special unit dedicated to combating car theft. Each location will deploy an additional twelve officers, working in uniform or plain clothes, with a focus on border areas away from federal highways.
The primary objectives of the FGG are to deter illegal migration and combat cross-border crime, including property and drug-related offenses. By strengthening transnational cooperation and addressing border challenges efficiently, the FGG will contribute significantly to the safety and orderliness of the border regions.
[1] Source: Various regional governance and cross-border management project reports.
The establishment of the Saxony Border Investigation Group (FGG) falls under the policy-and-legislation category, as it involves changes in community policy to secure the state's borders and combat crime. This new development in Saxony's politics is a response to the growing concern over illegal migration and cross-border crime, which is a general-news topic of significant interest.
