Dutch citizens are conducting illegal border controls, stopping cars and searching for asylum seekers, prompting condemnation from officials and sparking political debate. The actions, which took place near the border with Germany, involve citizens wearing reflective jackets and using flashlights to search vehicles.

The citizen patrols arose after German police returned a migrant attempting to enter Germany via the Netherlands. Germany has recently tightened its border controls, leading to asylum seekers being turned back. This has seemingly fueled frustration in the Netherlands, particularly in areas like Ter Apel, which hosts the country’s main asylum application center and has struggled to manage the influx of asylum seekers.

Residents of Ter Apel have long complained of disturbances, intimidation, and crime allegedly committed by some asylum seekers. The municipality of Westerwolde, where Ter Apel is located, strongly disapproves of the citizen controls, emphasizing that they are illegal and create dangerous situations. Despite the disapproval, citizens continued their patrols into the night, although the presence of Dutch and German police prevented any searches. Dutch police conducted identity checks, but no arrests were reported.

The actions have drawn support from PVV leader Geert Wilders, who called the patrols a “fantastic initiative” and offered to help stop vehicles. Wilders, who recently withdrew from coalition talks, is using the situation to criticize the government’s asylum policy and accuse them of inaction. He specifically targeted VVD minister Van Weel, accusing the party of failing and causing public frustration.

Meanwhile, the remaining coalition parties are in disagreement over who should replace the resigned PVV minister of Asylum. The three parties believe that controlling the department could boost their standing in the upcoming elections, as key asylum laws are nearing approval. However, they are unable to agree on who should take charge.