The circumstances surrounding the knife attack in an Ulm shopping center last week are drawing intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the suspect’s legal status and the government’s ability to deport individuals deemed a threat to public safety. Investigations have revealed that the 29-year-old Eritrean national, now considered the prime suspect, was subject to a departure order at the time of the incident.
According to the Baden-Württemberg Justice Ministry, his refugee status was revoked by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) as early as September 2023. The official rejection order became legally binding in October 2023. Further complicating the situation, an expulsion order was issued in January 2024, yet deportation to Eritrea proved impossible. Authorities cite a lack of cooperation from the Eritrean regime, which refuses to provide the necessary travel documents unless individuals voluntarily agree to return. This effectively prohibits forced passport replacement for Eritrean citizens.
The case has reignited a fiercely debated topic within German politics – the limitations and failures of deportation policies. Siegfried Lorek, Baden-Württemberg’s State Secretary for Migration, acknowledged the difficulties. “The Federal Government is exploring new avenues to facilitate deportations in situations precisely like this” Lorek stated, highlighting the policy’s international focus. While deportations to Afghanistan and Syria have been achieved, Eritrea remains a significant obstacle.
Lorek explicitly endorsed a controversial proposal gaining traction within the Interior Ministry: the establishment of detention centers in non-EU countries to house asylum seekers whose home nations refuse repatriation. This plan, often referred to as “externalization” has drawn criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the potential for abuses and inadequate legal protections for those detained. Critics argue such a move would constitute a blatant disregard for international legal obligations and would likely be challenged in European courts.
The Ulm attack and the subsequent revelations regarding the suspect’s deportation order are fueling a broader political argument. While proponents advocate for stricter border controls and increased deportation rates as a means of ensuring public safety and deterring potential criminals, opponents emphasize the importance of due process, integration and the humanitarian obligations Germany has to those seeking refuge, even when repatriation proves exceptionally challenging. The political pressure on the government to find a solution, however morally ambiguous, is now significantly amplified.