At least 130 foreign nationals are suspected of murder or manslaughter in Germany, including 34 living illegally, new government figures show.
According to a federal response to a parliamentary question from AfD MP Sebastian Münzenmaier, authorities suspect 32 cases of murder, 94 of manslaughter, and four of negligent homicide. Of these individuals, 96 hold only temporary leave to remain (Duldung), while 34 have no legal status in the country.
The broader statistics indicate a persistent imbalance. In 2024, 3,895 people were suspected of crimes against life nationwide. Around 1,490—nearly 40%—were foreign nationals, despite foreigners representing roughly 15% of the population.
Conviction data from 2023—the most recent available—recorded 682 people found guilty of crimes against life, including 265 foreigners.
Münzenmaier condemned the figures, claiming that permissive asylum and deportation rules were putting the public at risk and eroding trust in Germany’s institutions. He argued that foreign offenders who should have been removed from the country are instead serving sentences inside German prisons, calling for a wide-ranging deportation drive, including to Syria and Afghanistan.
The debate comes as senior members of government remain split over returns to Syria.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that deportations to Syria on a significant scale are currently impossible and would infringe on refugees’ dignity.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, by contrast, insists removals should begin, saying many Syrians could help rebuild their homeland, while those refusing should be deported.
The Interior Ministry is reportedly drawing up plans for the deportation of Syrian criminals.
