Tensions at the Polish–German border have increased in recent weeks as far-right citizen patrols have begun monitoring border crossings, claiming that German police are pushing undocumented migrants into Poland. These civilian groups have taken it upon themselves to guard the border in areas like Lubieszyn, where they stop vehicles and question passengers. Their actions come amid accusations that German authorities are quietly returning migrants to Polish territory without coordination or legal procedures.
In response to the growing controversy, Poland has reintroduced temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania. The Polish government argues that these measures are necessary to maintain order and address what it describes as an „asymmetric” pressure from Germany related to migration flows. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Poland’s patience is wearing thin, stressing the need to protect national sovereignty and the integrity of the border.
The emergence of citizen patrols has sparked debate within Poland. While some locals support their efforts, claiming they are necessary due to a lack of government action, others view them as illegal and potentially dangerous. The Polish Interior Minister has stated that only official border services have the legal authority to conduct checks and that self-appointed patrols risk violating the law. Human rights organizations, including the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, have expressed concern, warning that such groups contribute to public misinformation and foster xenophobia.
Meanwhile, the situation has highlighted broader tensions between Poland and Germany over migration policy. German courts and civil society organizations have criticized their government’s practice of returning nearly all irregular migrants without reviewing asylum claims. These actions are seen as conflicting with both EU regulations and international human rights standards.
The situation has gained attention through viral videos shared by patrol members. In one such video, German officers are seen accompanying a group of Afghan migrants to the border, only to be stopped by Polish civilians. The Polish government has refused offers of joint border patrols with Germany, accusing its neighbor of acting unilaterally and undermining trust.
In addition to citizen patrols, Poland is reinforcing its border with official forces, including police, military units, and border guards. This increase in personnel is seen as both a response to migration concerns and a signal of growing frustration with perceived German inaction or unilateralism.
The standoff poses serious questions for the future of the Schengen Zone and the principle of free movement within the European Union. Experts warn that treating migrants as pawns in political disputes erodes shared responsibility and could lead to human rights violations. Nonetheless, public mistrust of institutions and rising nationalist sentiment continue to fuel grassroots movements along the border—even as similar efforts on the Belarusian frontier have been curtailed by state authorities.
