The Germans handed over 18 foreigners to us

In the first days of temporary border control by Polish services with Germany, our western neighbor handed over 18 foreigners to us in the West Pomeranian section. No one attempting to enter our country illegally was detained.

"From June 7th to 10th, on the Polish-German border in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, officers, in connection with the reintroduction of temporary border controls, inspected nearly 20,300 people entering Poland and over 7,850 means of transport," reports Border Guard Second Lieutenant Katarzyna Przybysz, spokesperson for the Commander of the Border Guard's Maritime Unit. "Officers and soldiers ensured that border traffic flowed smoothly. No travelers were refused entry into Poland. No individuals were detained for crossing the state border illegally. During this time, German services transferred 18 foreigners to Poland as part of the readmission procedure. The individuals were detained by the Border Guard and administrative proceedings were initiated against them. German services did not transfer any foreigners under the Dublin procedure during this time."

For over a decade, so-called "citizen patrols" have been operating near border crossings. They are composed of people concerned that Germany is returning illegal migrants to Poland. Many patrol members believe that the Polish government has been insufficiently assertive towards Germany in this matter. Donald Tusk's government's dispatch of patrols to the border with Germany—and Lithuania—was a political response to these concerns.

- Border Guard officers serving in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship did not take any action against the so-called "citizen patrols" - adds Border Guard Second Lieutenant Katarzyna Przybysz.

Officers don't check every car. However, they remind everyone that when traveling to or from Germany, they should carry a passport or ID card. In our province, we can cross the border at 19 checkpoints.

Germany is securing all its borders (including selective vehicle checks). Since 2015, it has been securing the border with Austria; from October 2023, it has been securing the border with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland; and from autumn 2024, it has been securing the border with its remaining neighbors.

Polish security checks were launched on June 7 for 30 days. However, they will likely be extended.

Alan Sasinowski