German police claim 1,000 illegal entries halted since September as commuter anger grows

Since the introduction of German border controls near Trier on 16 September 2024, authorities have reportedly intercepted 1,000 illegal entry attempts. The checks, conducted by German police on the A64 between Luxembourg and Trier, have become a familiar sight for locals – many of whom have encountered the delays at least once.

While the controls typically add only a few minutes to travel time due to a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h on the affected stretch, delays can double or even triple during rush hour. Yet, traffic disruptions are not the only reason these checks have drawn attention. Their primary purpose, according to officials, is preventing illegal entry into Germany.

A closer look at the checkpoint

Mosel News TV recently visited the site alongside Stefan Döhn, spokesperson for the Trier Federal Police, to discuss the measures, their outcomes, and the challenges involved.

The checkpoint is strategically positioned between Exit 3 (leading to Trier or Bitburg via the B51) and Exit 4 (toward Trier-Ehrang or Schweich) on the A64. Officers stationed along the roadway visually inspect passing vehicles, flagging any deemed suspicious for further inspection. Drivers directed to pull over are guided to a large tent, where the actual checks are conducted.

The setup includes containers serving as offices and toilets, allowing police to operate on-site for extended periods. Döhn claimed that the measures have been successful: in addition to preventing 1,000 illegal entries, officers have also executed over 100 active arrest warrants since the checks began.

Border regions: A hub for crime

Beyond preventing illegal entries and apprehending individuals with active arrest warrants, German authorities have also intercepted human traffickers and seized weapons and drugs during the border checks.

Checks extend beyond Trier

While the A64 checkpoint near Trier is the most familiar to Luxembourg residents, Germany operates another major stationary checkpoint on the A60 near the Belgian border, close to St Vith.

Additionally, 34 other border crossings – such as those between Wasserbillig and Wasserbilligerbrück, Echternach and Echternacherbrück, and Vianden and Roth – are subject to daily rotating checks. Unlike the fixed motorway controls, these are spontaneous and mobile, designed to cover all of Rhineland-Palatinate's borders.

Another notable checkpoint is located on the German A8 between Remerschen (Luxembourg) and Perl (Saarland).

Growing frustration among commuters and governments

The Luxembourg government has repeatedly criticised the checks, even urging the EU to intervene. Cross-border workers, who commute daily to Luxembourg, have voiced particular frustration.

While German police maintain that delays rarely exceed 15-20 minutes, many commuters report far longer hold-ups, leading to significant cumulative losses over time. Even if delays were consistently brief, the daily disruption has worn on residents.

Neighbouring countries are not alone in their objections – local populations have grown increasingly vocal. While some acknowledge the checks as a necessary crime deterrent, the vast majority remain exasperated by the persistent traffic jams and wasted time.

Who gets stopped?

Many drivers passing through the checkpoints have questioned the criteria for being pulled over. According to Döhn, officers look for a "specific profile," prioritising foreign-registered vehicles, coaches, and drivers exhibiting suspicious behaviour.

While cars with local number plates – such as TR for Trier, BIT for Bitburg, or WIL for Bernkastel-Wittlich – are not exempt, they face checks far less frequently.

Officers use mobile devices to record passenger data, instantly cross-referencing it with police databases. This system has been key in identifying individuals with active warrants.

Police success vs. public burden

Authorities defend the checks as necessary, citing the high number of intercepted crimes. However, the long-term future of these measures remains uncertain: Will Germany voluntarily scale them back, or will the EU intervene to enforce their removal?

For now, the controls remain a flashpoint in regional relations – balancing security against the growing strain on cross-border mobility.