Germany’s migrant pushback policy has come under fire from its own federal police commissioner, Uli Grötsch, who says the practice violates European law and puts too much pressure on border officers. The controversial policy, which involves turning back undocumented migrants at the border—even asylum seekers—has also triggered strong reactions from neighboring Poland.
Grötsch, a member of the Social Democrats (SPD), spoke out against the deportation method, stressing that the policy was ruled unlawful by a German court but still remains in place. He said it goes against his understanding of the law and has made police work more difficult, especially for the 14,000 officers stationed at Germany’s borders.
The policy was introduced in May by Germany’s new coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It includes strict border checks and pushbacks of illegal migrants, which Poland claims is leading to people being left on their side of the border without any documentation.
Why is Poland angry about Germany’s migrant policy?
Polish officials accuse Germany of leaving undocumented migrants—many from Africa and the Middle East—on benches or roadsides at the border. Mariusz Błaszczak, head of the Law and Justice (PiS) group, called the situation outrageous, saying Poland doesn’t know who these people are or where they came from.
In response, Poland has reinstated border controls on its western side. At the same time, nationalist groups in Poland have started their own citizen patrols to watch for migrants, sometimes taking matters into their own hands and pressuring migrants to return to Germany.
Grötsch also criticized Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, saying he must find a way to create a migration policy that fits within European legal standards. The police commissioner warned that the current policy is affecting day-to-day police duties, as many officers are tied up with border enforcement.
The tension between Germany and Poland over the migration issue shows no signs of easing. While Berlin aims to tighten its immigration rules, critics say these measures are not only legally questionable but also risk damaging relations with neighboring countries and stretching police forces beyond their limits.