Berlin Police Chief: Immigration ‘Limit Reached’ As Crime Surges, Resources Strained

Germany is facing an unsustainable immigration crisis, Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik cautioned, as migrant-related violent crime continues to rise and resources become increasingly stretched. Speaking with RBB, Slowik noted that Germany’s current levels of immigration are both financially and socially unmanageable, urging the need for an urgent response to address public safety concerns.

“I believe that a limit has been reached as to what is affordable,” she said, stressing that a comprehensive approach is needed to counter the wave of violent incidents linked to migrant populations. Recent statistics reveal a 5.5% increase in crime over the past year, with non-German suspects rising by 17.8%. Slowik insisted that a strong societal response, including integration efforts for immigrant children, is critical to reducing crime.

The strain on resources has led Berlin’s Interior Senator Iris Spranger to announce proposals to expand police powers under the General Security and Order Act. These enhancements would give officers access to encrypted communications and biometric data to help tackle growing crime rates. Spranger’s proposals come as naturalizations in Berlin more than triple, driven by a law change that shortens the residency requirement from eight to five years.

Slowik proposed creating a closed facility for young offenders as a way to intervene with those at risk of reoffending. However, while the facility would address juvenile crime, no plans are yet in place to build such a center.

Public pressure is mounting for Germany to address the migrant-related crime wave. Berlin residents, increasingly concerned about public safety, are urging swift action to restore law and order. Slowik’s comments signal that the time for comprehensive policy reform is now, as Germany grapples with the dual challenges of increased immigration and rising crime.