Hesse: Controversial Proposal to Track Phones of Individuals Subject to Deportation

The interior minister of Hesse, Roman Poseck of the CDU, has put forward a proposal to amend regulations to facilitate the deportation procedures for foreigners. The politician argues that the current Residence Act does not provide a legal basis for surveilling individuals slated for deportation, leading to them frequently going underground. Poseck plans to initiate legislative changes at the federal level so that law enforcement officers gain the right to conduct short-term surveillance and locate the mobile devices of individuals on the list of ausreisepflichtigen (those obligated to leave). The German deportation system relies on close cooperation between the federal states and the federal government, but since the 1990s, it has struggled with low effectiveness in enforcing return decisions. This proposal triggered an immediate and vehement reaction from the Police Union (GdP). Chairman Jochen Kopelke described the actions proposed by the minister as "perfidious manhunting." The union argues that the police should not take over the tasks of administrative authorities dealing with foreign nationals. According to the GdP, the use of operational techniques such as wiretapping or GPS location is reserved for pursuing perpetrators of serious crimes, not for administrative and public order actions. This situation intensifies the debate over migration policy in Germany, dividing public opinion between supporters of strict law enforcement and defenders of ethical standards in police work. 56.5% — deportation effectiveness in Germany remains a political problem Critics also point to the moral aspect of the proposal. The GdP emphasizes that forcing officers to track migrants like dangerous criminals could negatively impact the force's morale and the police's image in society. Meanwhile, supporters of the CDU stress that without effective location tools, the state becomes powerless against individuals deliberately evading the justice system. This dispute is likely to become a key point at the upcoming conference of state interior ministers, where Poseck intends to seek support for his legislative initiative in Germany.

In 2023, Germany recorded an increase in the number of deportations carried out by over 25 percent, a result of pressure from the Berlin government to tighten borders and enforce the law. Proposed Changes to Police Powers: : → ; : → „What Minister Poseck is demanding is perfidious manhunting, which has nothing to do with the dignity of police service.” — Jochen Kopelke Liberal media emphasize the violation of civil rights and police work ethics, calling the proposal inhumane and unnecessary surveillance. | Conservative press highlights the necessity of regaining control over migration processes and supports increasing the powers of law enforcement.