Increased Pressure on Cologne Over Deportations Amid Political Debate

10.08.2026 – 01:00

Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger

Increased Pressure on Cologne Over Deportations Amid Political Debate

CDU Interior Politician Seif: 'Federal laws are being blatantly disregarded' 'Centralize deportations'

Köln. (ots)

As concerns mount over the alleged obstruction of deportations, pressure is intensifying on the city of Cologne from federal political figures. Detlef Seif, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's spokesman for the Interior Committee, expressed his views to the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger," stating, "It’s a matter of whether the immigration authority is systematically preventing the deportation of individuals who are required to leave. It is already evident that federal legal requirements are being blatantly disregarded." Following the incident in Cologne, Seif suggested that both federal and state governments should consider further centralizing deportations.

FDP leader Wolfgang Kubicki described the situation as a nationwide issue, where states and certain municipalities presume to implement their own migration policies. This has led to unconstitutional administrative practices, he argued. "The case in Cologne exemplifies this trend and hopefully will prompt the federal government to utilize all available means to ensure the enforcement of its laws across the states," Kubicki emphasized. He warned that if authorities could disregard the legislator's decisions without consequences, it would signify the end of a divided legal state, necessitating a firm response.

Jochen Ott, the SPD's lead candidate for the North Rhine-Westphalia state election, welcomed the thorough investigation initiated by Cologne's Mayor Torsten Burmester (SPD). Ott asserted that such an examination is essential for a comprehensive assessment of the situation. He also criticized the CDU for their vocal stance, noting it is surprising that they are speaking out given that the independent Mayor Henriette Reker, supported by both the CDU and the Greens, had previously declined state support.

In November 2024, the Central Immigration Authority (ZAB) in Coesfeld had offered the Cologne immigration authority assistance in obtaining return documents for approximately 500 individuals from the Western Balkan states to facilitate deportations. However, the city rejected this offer, opting instead for a long-term residency perspective for those affected.

Detlef Seif's authorized quote: "The city of Cologne must quickly examine and address this issue, preferably with external assistance. It’s not just about the Coesfeld list. It’s about whether the immigration authority is systematically preventing the deportation of individuals who are required to leave. It is already evident that federal legal requirements are being blatantly disregarded. The federal and state governments need to consider further centralizing deportations following the incident in Cologne."

Detlef Kubicki's authorized quote: "Unfortunately, it is a nationwide phenomenon that states and some municipalities arrogate to themselves the right to pursue their own migration policies by issuing deportation stops or declaring themselves 'safe havens.' This has led to a completely unacceptable, unconstitutional administrative practice that has not triggered a significant outcry. The case in Cologne exemplifies this trend and hopefully will prompt the federal government to utilize all available means to ensure the enforcement of its laws across the states. If executing authorities can disregard the legislator's decisions without consequences, it would signify the end of a divided legal state. Therefore, a firm response is necessary here."

Jochen Ott's authorized quote: "It is surprising that the CDU is now speaking out so loudly, especially since the independent Mayor Henriette Reker, supported by the CDU and the Greens, rejected state assistance. It is therefore correct that the SPD Mayor Torsten Burmester is now conducting a thorough investigation into this matter. This investigation is necessary to reach a final assessment of the situation."

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