Unauthorized crossings detected at 1,516 instances along the German-Dutch border by federal authorities
In a continued effort to address security concerns and manage ongoing high levels of irregular migration, Germany has extended its internal border controls until March 15, 2026. These controls, primarily focused at the German-Dutch border in Lower Saxony, including Bad Bentheim, have been in place since last year.
Under the regulations from the Asylum Act, border controls in Bad Bentheim are being conducted meticulously. In the same period, 365 unauthorized entries were recorded, and 14 smugglers were arrested. Furthermore, 99 cases of individuals with outstanding arrest warrants were detected.
The controls at the border in Bad Bentheim also apply to asylum seekers from EU countries deemed safe third countries. Notably, nine hits in the extremist or Islamist spectrum were recorded between May and July.
Exceptions to the border controls in Bad Bentheim are made for vulnerable groups such as women with young children or severely ill individuals. As of Wednesday's report, the Federal Police in Hannover rejected 975 individuals attempting unauthorized entry.
The Federal Police Directorate in Hannover released a report on Wednesday, detailing the findings from the controls at the German-Dutch border in Lower Saxony. However, the report did not specify the methods used to detect unauthorized entries or arrest suspected smugglers.
The reintroduction of these controls, though generally restricted under the Schengen Agreement, is permitted temporarily under exceptional circumstances such as threats to internal security or public order. The recent permissiveness stems from persistent crises, including irregular migration influxes and geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine.
The policy is driven by the conservative government, particularly Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aiming to curb irregular immigration amid public concerns fueled by asylum seeker-related crime and pressure on migration management. Alongside border controls, Germany also pursues increased deportations of rejected asylum seekers with criminal records to countries like Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and war-affected Syria.
The controls apply at Germany’s land borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, and Poland. German authorities use provisions under the amended Schengen Border Code effective since mid-2024, which clarify national powers to conduct internal border controls in response to security concerns and allow reducing border crossing points or increasing surveillance.
In the same period, 212 people were rejected at the border in Bad Bentheim. It is unclear, however, what has become of the individuals who were rejected. The report did not specify the current status of these individuals.
Despite these controls, the impact on the local community or economy due to these border controls remains unreported. The controls at the German-Dutch border in Lower Saxony, including Bad Bentheim, will continue in the coming months.
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