Germany is facing a political and security crisis after it was revealed that Farhad N., the 24-year-old Afghan man who drove a car into a crowd in Munich, injuring 28 people, should have been deported after his asylum application was rejected.
The attack, which took place during a trade union demonstration, has intensified debates over Germany’s immigration policies, with critics arguing that lax deportation enforcement allowed a dangerous individual to remain in the country.
As authorities investigate the motive behind the attack, the case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for tighter border controls and stricter deportation policies.
What Happened in Munich?
On February 12, 2025, Farhad N. drove a Mini Cooper into a crowd of demonstrators gathered for a trade union rally in central Munich, causing widespread panic.
Details of the Incident:
🚗 Farhad N. accelerated into the crowd without warning.
🚑 28 people were injured, including several children.
👮 Police arrested the suspect at the scene, preventing further casualties.
🔍 Authorities launched an immediate investigation into his background and motives.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene of people screaming, running for safety, and trying to help the injured as police quickly secured the area.
Who Is Farhad N., and Why Was He Still in Germany?
✔ Nationality: Afghan
✔ Age: 24
✔ Asylum Status: Rejected asylum seeker
✔ Criminal Record: Under investigation
It has now been confirmed that Farhad N. had his asylum application rejected months ago but was not deported due to legal delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
Why Was He Not Deported?
📌 Legal Appeals: German law allows rejected asylum seekers to appeal their cases, often delaying deportation for years.
📌 Bureaucratic Delays: Authorities struggle to process thousands of deportation cases, creating a backlog.
📌 Lack of Travel Documents: Some countries refuse to accept deported nationals without proper documentation.
This case has reignited criticism of Germany’s asylum system, with politicians and citizens questioning how a rejected asylum seeker was allowed to remain in the country and ultimately commit a violent attack.
Political and Public Outrage Over Deportation Failures
The revelation that Farhad N. should have been deported has triggered a political firestorm, with opposition parties blaming the German government for endangering public safety.
1. German Government Under Pressure
📢 Interior Minister Nancy Faeser: “We must urgently review our deportation policies to prevent similar cases in the future.”
📢 Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “We will ensure stricter enforcement of deportation orders for rejected asylum seekers.”
2. Far-Right Parties Seize on the Issue
📢 AfD Party Leader Alice Weidel: “This attack is a direct result of Germany’s failed immigration policies. Every rejected asylum seeker must be deported immediately!”
📢 CSU Politician Markus Söder: “The government’s failure to deport criminals is putting German lives at risk.”
3. Public Reactions: Growing Concerns Over Security
🚨 Many German citizens feel that the asylum system is too lenient, allowing potentially dangerous individuals to stay indefinitely.
🚨 Some argue that cases like this fuel distrust in the government’s handling of immigration and border security.
The Bigger Issue: Germany’s Struggle with Deportations
Germany has long faced challenges in deporting rejected asylum seekers, with many remaining in the country for years despite being ordered to leave.
Key Statistics on Deportation Failures:
📊 Over 250,000 rejected asylum seekers remain in Germany due to legal loopholes and bureaucratic delays.
📊 Only 12,945 deportations were carried out in 2023, a significant decrease compared to previous years.
📊 Many rejected asylum seekers live in Germany for over 5 years before facing potential deportation.
The German government has pledged to reform the system, but cases like Farhad N.’s attack in Munich highlight ongoing failures in enforcement.
Calls for Stricter Deportation Laws
Following the Munich attack, lawmakers are pushing for new policies to tighten deportation enforcement and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Proposed Changes:
✔ Faster deportation process for rejected asylum seekers with criminal records.
✔ More police resources to track down individuals ordered to leave.
✔ Immediate deportation for those who pose a security risk.
✔ Stronger cooperation with countries of origin to accept deported nationals.
However, human rights organizations warn against overreacting, arguing that mass deportations could harm legitimate asylum seekers who genuinely need protection.
