Recent border controls implemented across Germany have shown little effectiveness in curbing irregular migration. The Police Union (GdP) and its chairman, Andreas Roßkopf, have expressed disappointment over the minimal apprehensions of unauthorized individuals, the circumvention of checkpoints, and the lack of adequate equipment. Despite the introduction of these measures, the referral of asylum seekers to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees remains high. This includes controls at land borders with Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. The measures, initially set for six months, have seen a low number of rejections.
The Police Union has highlighted the challenges faced, including the evasion of main roads by smugglers and a shortage of modern equipment like mobile checkpoints and speed traps. Despite the high professional standards and motivation of the border police, only a few individuals without valid residency status and smugglers have been apprehended. The number of asylum seekers remains unaffected, reflecting the limited deterrent effect of the current border controls.
While some officials, like the President of the Federal Criminal Police Office, believe the controls are effective against smuggling activities, the broader consensus suggests otherwise. The Vice Chairman of the German Police Union, Heiko Teggatz, supports the measures but criticizes the lack of necessary resources. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser justifies the controls due to irregular migration, even though such measures within the Schengen Area are typically only permissible under special threat circumstances.
Overall, the new border controls have yet to demonstrate significant impact in reducing irregular migration, prompting calls for better-equipped and more strategic approaches.
