Illegal border crossing: Measures against migration near Switzerland

Illegal border crossing: Measures against migration near Switzerland

The Baden-Württemberg police recently carried out increased smuggling controls in a four-day focus campaign in the border area with Switzerland. The aim of these measures was to increase the pressure on smugglers and to contain illegal migration to Baden-Württemberg. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl emphasized the need to control and limit migration, since the capacities for taking migrants were almost exhausted.

The high immigration to Germany and Baden-Württemberg led to a stress limit, according to the deputy prime minister. In view of this situation, it is essential to effectively control migration. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had therefore proposed to introduce border controls on the German-Polish and German-Czech border. However, these measures could not alleviate illegal migration on the border with Switzerland.

As early as December 2022, Interior Minister Strobl had urged the federal government to strengthen the controls at the German-Swiss border. Baden-Württemberg is now acting by supporting the federal police as part of their possibilities. This increased commitment increases the pressure on smugglers and other criminal actors.

As part of the four -day priority campaign in September 2023, 484 people and 230 vehicles were checked. 33 crimes, including crimes on foreign law, as well as 26 traffic violations and other administrative offenses were found. The police were also supported by the federal police and customs.

Since the second half of 2022, a significant increase in illegal entry to Baden-Württemberg, which continues in the current year. The border to Switzerland in the south of the state is particularly affected. Therefore, Federal Interior Minister Faeser and Interior Minister Strobl had discussed the situation at this border in June 2023 and offered the support of the state police to combat illegal migration.

The police headquarters Freiburg and Constance in Baden-Württemberg further reinforced their commitment in combating smuggling. In addition to a general increase in presence, mobile and inpatient people and vehicle controls in the border area are carried out in particular. The exchange of information between the state and federal police is of great importance and will be intensified.

Minister Marion Gentges emphasized that the current considerations for border security would only be implemented in slices and with great time delay. There must be a uniform border protection concept that includes all external borders, including the border to Switzerland.

Interior Minister Strobl praised the concerted police focus and emphasized that the police in Baden-Württemberg have been increasing the pressure on smugglers in the border area with Switzerland for months. You won't be leaning back in the future either. He thanked the police officers for their commitment to combating illegal migration.