German Federal Police have recorded 1,516 instances of irregular border crossings along the Germany-Netherlands border in Lower Saxony since September 2024. According to the Federal Police Directorate of Hanover, 975 individuals were turned away and 59 suspected human traffickers were apprehended. These intensified controls are part of the reintroduction of internal border checks across Germany, initially implemented last year.
Between May and July alone, the Federal Police Inspection in Bad Bentheim registered 365 irregular border crossings. During this period, 212 individuals were denied entry and 14 suspected traffickers were detained. Notably, authorities identified 99 individuals subject to outstanding arrest warrants and registered nine matches with persons flagged in connection to extremist or Islamist networks.
The authorities state the increased border controls will continue, encompassing provisions of asylum legislation. This includes the possibility of returning asylum seekers originating from EU member states considered safe third countries. Exceptions are made for vulnerable groups such as women with small children and individuals with serious medical conditions.