North Rhine-Westphalia is planning a new deportation prison on NATO site!

North Rhine-Westphalia is planning a new deportation prison on NATO site!

The North Rhine-Westphalian state government has decided to build a second deportation prison in Mönchengladbach. This new prison is built on a former NATO site, the so-called joint headquarters. The facility is aimed at people who are obliged to leave out who have a risk of escape. A capacity is planned for up to 140 people, which will significantly increase current needs. The place on the border with an initial reception center for refugees and a police training center was considered the ideal for this measure because it is in the immediate vicinity of Düsseldorf.

The new building is fully financed by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, including operating costs. The decision for this location was described as an alternative. There is currently only one deportation prison in North Rhine-Westphalia: the accommodation facility for those who are subject to departure (UFA) in Büren in the Paderborn district, which offers space for 175 people. This facility is the largest deportation detention center in Germany.

background of the decision

The decision to build the new deportation prison is part of a comprehensive package of measures by the black and green state government. This reform package was decided in September 2024 in response to the attack in Solingen on August 23, 2024. The measures aim to tighten migration policy in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to the construction of the prison, this also includes strengthening the protection of the constitution and monitoring potential extremists.

Depreciation can be arranged in Germany under certain conditions, for example in the event of expulsions or rejected asylum applications. These detains are subject to the judge's reservation. The current figures show that a total of 16,430 deportations were carried out in Germany in 2023 - an increase of almost a third compared to the previous year. The topic and the background will be treated on television on January 17, 2025 in the local time from Düsseldorf at 7:30 p.m.

criticism and challenges

While the deportation is the last option, if a deportation is made more difficult, there are repeated reports on critical practices within these facilities. This includes emergency situations that can lead to insulation and psychological stress. Former occupants report inhumane treatment, and the national body to prevent torture has found alarming conditions in some facilities. These aspects raise questions about the human rights to be justified.

Overall, the construction of the new deportation prison in Mönchengladbach reflects the efforts of the North Rhine-Westphalian state government to tighten their migration policy and increase the possibilities for deportation. Experts and human rights organizations will critically observe the developments and their effects.