Germany border controls prevent 70,000 illegal entries

Since the implementation of stricter border controls on May 7, 2025, under the administration of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, German authorities have prevented more than 70,000 illegal entries.

Data from the Federal Police indicates that 57,973 unauthorized entries were attempted or made via land borders, with significant numbers of individuals originating from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Additionally, authorities apprehended 11,018 individuals with outstanding arrest warrants and intercepted 1,672 human smugglers.

While the government maintains these measures are necessary for migration management, the controls have faced criticism for causing significant traffic congestion and delays for commuters and travelers at border crossings, particularly between Germany and Austria.