Berlin has issued new police guidance for deportations from refugee accommodation: officers may knock, but if no one answers, the operation must be halted. The change follows a Constitutional Court ruling that rooms in asylum centres may only be entered with a judicial search warrant, significantly complicating enforcement.
Until now, staff often opened doors with master keys to help locate people due for removal — a practice authorities say is no longer permissible. Individuals can now be detained only in public areas, or if they voluntarily open their door. If the person sought is in another resident’s room, that resident’s consent is sufficient.
Police warn the new restrictions will make deportations even harder. Union official Stephan Weh said two-thirds already fail, often because departures are shared on social media. Refugee-rights group Pro Asyl welcomed the ruling, arguing that constitutional protections cannot be suspended for deportation cases.
