Alexander Dobrindt, the newly appointed German Interior Minister, plans to increase the number of police officers to strengthen border controls and combat illegal immigration, according to reports from two media outlets on Wednesday.
The Interior Ministry neither confirmed nor denied these reports when questioned by AFP. A press conference with Mr. Dobrindt, a CSU member, which is a Bavarian sister party of the conservatives, is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Bild, citing sources close to the German government, reported plans to deploy up to 3,000 additional federal police officers to the borders, increasing the force to 14,000 to prevent illegal migrant entries.
Der Spiegel indicated that Mr. Dobrindt aims to double the riot police units to 12. Border inspection officers will be required to work 12-hour shifts.
Andreas Rosskopf, head of the police union (GdP) for federal police, told Rheinische Post that “the bolstering of forces at the borders has begun following oral instructions” from the ministry.
Border services were instructed to adjust their schedules where necessary to ensure “greater availability,” Mr. Rosskopf added.
As previously announced by conservative Friedrich Merz before becoming Chancellor, immigration is a priority for the government, following a series of attacks by foreigners which influenced the recent federal election campaign.
The coalition agreement between the conservatives and Social Democrats outlines a tougher immigration policy, while assuring that Germany will remain “open,” upholding asylum rights and welcoming skilled workers.
The government intends to maintain border controls until “European border protection is effective” and plans to turn away all undocumented foreigners at the border, including asylum seekers, in coordination with neighbouring European countries, a legally contentious issue.
According to May statements by Nancy Faeser, Mr. Dobrindt’s predecessor, more than 53,000 individuals have been turned away at German borders since October 2023.
