Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Rejects Oder Island as Site for Deportation Center
Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) has spoken out against the proposal to establish a deportation center for rejected asylum seekers on Oder Island in Küstrin-Kietz.
"I was not entirely convinced by this project from the beginning. However, I must now state that this location is simply not suitable," Lange said during a site visit. The state will explore alternative locations for the center.
Such collective accommodation facilities are intended to prevent individuals subject to deportation from evading removal and going into hiding. Under the plans of former CDU Interior Minister Michael Stübgen, a deportation center was to be built on the abandoned grounds of a former barracks on Oder Island in the Märkisch-Oderland district.
Preliminary plans envisioned creating 200 to 250 spaces in single-story residential containers, along with dining, social, sports, and counseling facilities. The project faced local resistance.
Rejection Rationale
Lange cited several reasons for her opposition to the Oder Island site.
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Proximity to Poland: The island’s immediate proximity to Poland, just a short distance across the river, raises concerns about the potential for escape attempts.
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Lack of Infrastructure: The island lacks adequate infrastructure, including transportation and healthcare, to support such a facility.
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Security Concerns: The isolated location and limited access to the island pose security challenges, as individuals could easily evade detection and escape.
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Environmental Concerns: The island is a protected nature reserve, and the construction of the center would potentially disrupt its ecological balance.
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Public Opposition: Lange acknowledged the strong local opposition to the project, which she said should be taken into account.
Alternative Locations
Lange emphasized that the state government is committed to finding suitable locations for deportation centers. Alternative sites will be evaluated based on criteria such as proximity to airports and other transportation hubs, availability of infrastructure, security considerations, and environmental impact.
Criticism of Previous Plans
Lange criticized the previous plans for the Oder Island center, saying they were not sufficiently well-conceived. The selected location was not ideal, and the planning process lacked transparency and public consultation.
Conclusion
The rejection of the Oder Island site for a deportation center is a significant setback for efforts to establish such facilities in Brandenburg. The state government will need to carefully consider alternative locations and ensure that future planning processes are more inclusive and transparent.
The issue of deportation centers remains a contentious one, with concerns about human rights and the welfare of those facing deportation. The state government will need to strike a balance between fulfilling its legal obligation to enforce deportation orders and treating individuals with dignity and respect.
