Polish Football Fans Patrol Border to Block Migrant Returns

Self-proclaimed citizen patrols, comprised of Polish football fans, have mobilized at the border with Germany. Their stated aim is to prevent the return of migrants to Poland. This action follows reports indicating that Germany has returned over 11,000 migrants to Poland between January 2024 and February 2025, who had unlawfully crossed the Polish-German border.

On a recent Saturday, approximately 200 residents of Szczecin, a Polish city near the German border, blocked a road used for migrant transfers. Participants expressed their intent to monitor the border and prevent German police from returning migrants. Some stated their desire to defend Poland's borders, viewing their actions as a message to the government.

Similar citizen patrols have been organized by football fan groups from nearby towns. These groups have displayed banners protesting illegal immigration. Footage has emerged showing confrontations with police, including the use of pepper spray. The local police headquarters confirmed the use of force against an individual who disobeyed orders.

The Polish interior ministry has responded by urging people to stop spreading misinformation. They clarified that Germany is not transferring migrants to Poland, but rather preventing individuals without proper entry authorization from entering Germany. The ministry stated that the majority of these individuals were previously in Poland, often legally, and were attempting to enter Germany when denied entry due to border controls.

Despite the government's statement, opposition politicians have criticized the government, led by former EU Council President Donald Tusk, for failing to address the situation. One opposition leader claimed that Poland's western border is becoming porous and that the government is ignoring the regular transfer of illegal migrants from Germany. He further suggested that border towns are beginning to resemble cities with visible migrant populations.