The Federal Police are reportedly obliged to deploy up to 14,000 officers to maintain the comprehensive border checks and the systematic rejection of asylum seekers, measures first ordered by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) a year ago.
This high level of mobilization was revealed through a report by “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”, based on a response from the Federal Ministry of the Interior to an inquiry by the Green parliamentary group. The report notes that the intensification of temporary internal border controls, which began around May 7th-8th, 2025, required the Federal Police’ operational force to grow significantly to 13,000-14,000 personnel. These controls are described as adaptable, flexible in both time and place, and conducted around the clock, not limited only to fixed locations.
However, labor representatives have challenged this deployment. Andreas Roßkopf, chairman of the Police Union for the Federal Police, stated that the force is critically understaffed at train stations, where he claims a shortage of 5,000 to 6,000 officers. He argued that these areas, which are crime hotspots, would benefit from increased personnel, potentially by utilizing the Federal Reserve Police. Roßkopf pointed out that, despite the need, these reserve forces remain committed to border duties, contributing 800 to 1,000 officers per week. Furthermore, he criticized the lack of investment in technology, noting that adopting better equipment could make border checks faster and more agile, thereby reducing personnel reliance-a direction he feels has been ignored.
Political opposition also voiced concerns. Marcel Emmerich, the Green parliamentary spokesman, stated that the “border blockades burden cross-border traffic, damage the economy, and daily violate laws”. During an economic crisis, he added that these measures are putting extreme pressure on freight companies, risking a slowdown in goods transport. He criticized Dobrindt for labeling the situation as “Law and Order” while omitting that police resources are lacking at key locations like train stations, airports, and in the fight against serious crime-a failure he argued leads to less overall security.
Additionally, Emmerich further questioned the minister’s intentions regarding the law, given multiple court rulings that have deemed the blanket rejection of asylum seekers illegal. He challenged the degree of “arbitrariness and disregard for judicial decisions” the minister intends to display before changing his course. In response, the Green parliamentary group has submitted a motion to the Bundestag with the goal of halting these practices.