Criticisms levied against the NRW entity by the Bamf president have been reported.

Next Wednesday, the verdict for the Solingen attack will be pronounced, bringing an end to a year-long legal process. The attack, which occurred on August 23, 2024, resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and left eight others injured.

The suspected attacker, Issa al H., has been on trial at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf since the end of May. The terrorist organization Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The case has also highlighted the complexities surrounding deportation processes in Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. The responsibility for carrying out deportations lies with the state authorities, specifically the local foreigner’s offices (Ausländerbehörden) of the municipalities and districts. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), under the Federal Ministry of the Interior, handles asylum procedures and decisions at the federal level.

However, the implementation and enforcement of deportations are executed by the Länder (federal states), including North Rhine-Westphalia. This setup has been a subject of criticism, with the President of BAMF, Hans-Eckhard Sommer, voicing concerns about the distribution of tasks in North Rhine-Westphalia regarding asylum and residence issues.

Sommer has stated that people are making it too easy to evade deportation dates. In the case of Issa al H., after the transfer period expired, he was transferred to Solingen, where the attack occurred a year later. Previously, he was not found at the appointment in his accommodation, preventing his deportation to Bulgaria, the first country of entry into the EU.

The process leading up to a deportation appointment can take weeks or months, providing ample opportunity for individuals to evade their deportation dates. In many cases, a second attempt at deportation is not possible.

Sommer has also suggested involving the police in deportations in North Rhine-Westphalia due to the potential danger involved. However, in most federal states, police are responsible for deportations, but in North Rhine-Westphalia, administrative officials handle them.

Despite his initial criticism, Sommer later softened his stance, acknowledging that North Rhine-Westphalia is the state with the most deportations. The Central Foreigners' Authority in Bielefeld, a well-equipped authority in North Rhine-Westphalia, plays a significant role in these deportation efforts.

However, European law prohibits detention in many cases, and the affected persons do not have to stay continuously in their accommodation, which can complicate the process further. This setup has disadvantages and prevents North Rhine-Westphalia from speaking on the topic in the Interior Ministers' Conference.

As the verdict for the Solingen attack approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and addressing the complexities surrounding the deportation process in North Rhine-Westphalia.