Germany reports sharp drop in irregular migration and smuggling operations

German police data for 2025 show a marked decline in irregular migration. Detected human‑smuggling operations fell by about 42%, the number of identified smuggled migrants dropped by more than 55%, and cases of irregular entry or residence decreased by roughly 30% compared with 2024. The largest groups among detected migrants were from Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Somalia and Ukraine. Authorities cite stronger border controls, temporary internal checks and tighter enforcement at EU external borders as contributing factors, while noting a shift of smuggling routes toward western entry points.

Separately, a recent incident at the Ruhpolding train station involved an Afghan asylum seeker who brandished a knife. No one was injured and the suspect was arrested on charges of making threats. The case has been highlighted in the public debate over asylum‑seeker security and migration policy.