Illegal Border Crossings to Bavaria Drop by Nearly Half in 2024

Despite the decline, Bavarian officials emphasize the need for stronger border enforcement and expanded police powers.

Bavaria recorded a 49% decrease in illegal entries in 2024, with 2,385 cases compared to 4,667 in 2023.
Human smuggling cases also fell significantly, dropping by 61% to 160 incidents in 2024.
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stressed that the reduced numbers do not signal an end to challenges, citing the record-high levels of 2023.
Bavarian officials, including Minister-President Markus Söder, advocate for increased border police powers and additional personnel to enhance enforcement.
Drug seizures rose sharply, with over 680 kilograms of narcotics confiscated in 2024, marking an 80% increase from the previous year.