Poland implemented controls at the border with Germany to stop illegal immigration

Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania starting at midnight between July 6 and 7, after German police were found assisting illegal immigrants in crossing the border into Polish territory.

After the measure took effect, Polish authorities reported the detention of a vehicle transporting four illegal immigrants from Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk had announced this decision days earlier, in response to growing domestic pressure, especially due to the German policy of returning hundreds of immigrants each month.

Meanwhile, the border with Lithuania remains a transit route for migrants entering irregularly from Belarus into Latvia and Lithuania, intending to continue their journey westward through Polish territory.

Starting at midnight, controls were established at 52 points along the border with Germany: 41 on roads, including crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, eight on railways, and three on rivers. On the border with Lithuania, 13 additional checkpoints were installed, one on railways and 12 on roads.

Of these points, 16 on the German border and three on the Lithuanian border have been selected for permanent surveillance, with a constant presence of border guard personnel.

Under normal conditions, as part of the Schengen area, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania do not conduct controls at their internal borders. However, the treaty allows for their exceptional and temporary reintroduction when emergency situations justify it.

The Polish Ministry of the Interior stated that border controls will apply only to certain individuals and vehicles entering the country, aiming not to hinder transit at border crossings more than necessary. Controls are expected to focus especially on cars with multiple occupants or with tinted windows.

Just four minutes after July 7 began, the Polish border guard released images of a stopped vehicle at the crossing with Lithuania. According to the report, the driver was an Estonian citizen transporting four migrants in irregular status, allegedly Afghans.

At the same time, in Polish territory near the border with Germany, self-styled groups called "citizen patrols" have begun operating, aiming to monitor crossings and prevent the entry of illegal immigrants from Germany.

The border controls implemented by Poland will have an initial duration of 30 days, although there is a possibility of extending that period. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 800 border guard agents will be deployed at the new checkpoints, supported by 500 soldiers, 300 police officers, and 200 members of the military police.

"We are fighting against illegal migration. This is not directed against Polish, Lithuanian, German, or any other country's citizens who travel honestly and cross borders legally," said Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak on Sunday.