Overview
- Federal Interior Ministry figures show that in 2025 more deportations failed (34,241) than were carried out (21,438).
- The pattern continued into 2026 with 7,416 deportations carried out and 13,546 attempts failing by the end of May.
- Authorities identify the main causes of failure as migrants resisting or going into hiding, with many cases also blocked for medical reasons or because destination states refuse to take people back.
- From January 2025 through May 2026 police recorded 3,683 uses of physical coercive aids and report using foot shackles, handcuffs and restraining belts to enforce removals.
- Union leaders warn that forcing people onto planes produces 'dramatic scenes' that burden officers, migrants and families and are likely to fuel legal, political and humanitarian debates about deportation policy.