German Court Rules Merz Border Expulsions Illegal Amid Migration Crackdown

Germany's federal administrative court ruled that the expulsion of three Somali asylum seekers at the border was unlawful, stating that asylum applications must be processed by the responsible country under the EU's Dublin rules before any rejection. This ruling challenges Chancellor Friedrich Merz's strict migration crackdown, which includes measures to turn away undocumented migrants at the border, a policy implemented amid rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Despite the setback, Merz maintains that the government will continue to enforce migration controls within the framework of European law to protect public safety and ease pressures on cities. The court criticized the government's policy for bypassing necessary legal procedures and undermining EU member states' cooperation efforts. The ruling has been described as a severe defeat by opposition parties, though the government insists it retains the authority to reject migrants at the border. The case has heightened tensions around migration policy in Germany, reflecting a significant shift from previous refugee-friendly approaches.