German authorities have reported a positive outcome of the intensified border controls, with the head of the Federal Police, Dieter Romann, dismissing criticism of overworking among police personnel. According to Romann, the Federal Police, with a workforce of approximately 56,000, is capable of managing the increased border control measures, citing the agency’s past success with smaller staff numbers.
Romann also denied criticism from neighboring countries, stating that he has spoken with his international counterparts, including weekly with some and has received understanding for the measures in place. One of his interlocutors was quoted as saying, “Finally.”
Since the introduction of the border controls on May 8, a total of 3,387 unauthorized entries have been registered at all national borders, with 2,613 migrants being turned back. Of the 160 asylum seekers who had filed applications, 125 were rejected, while 35 were allowed to enter due to medical reasons or the presence of children.
The Federal Police has deployed around 9,800 officers in their regular duty stations along the national borders, with an additional 1,200 personnel being deployed since September 16, 2024, bringing the total to 13,000 to 14,000 officers at the borders. Romann emphasized that no personnel will be reassigned from other areas, such as railway stations, to support the border controls, stating, “The strength of the rail inspection units will not be touched, neither temporarily nor permanently.”
Since last September, a total of over 37,000 unauthorized entries have been registered and nearly 25,000 migrants have been turned back. Additionally, 991 human smugglers have been arrested and 6,167 outstanding warrants have been executed. “For over 250 days, this has been the case” the Federal Police President concluded.