LONDON — In a controversial move, Berlin’s Immigration Office has announced that it will deport four individuals, including three European Union citizens and one American, over their involvement in a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The deportation orders were issued last month, instructing the individuals to leave Germany by April 21 or face expulsion.
The affected demonstrators include two Irish citizens, one Polish citizen, and a U.S. citizen, all of whom reportedly participated in a demonstration at Berlin’s Free University in October 2024.
These orders have raised significant concerns regarding the legality of the actions against the EU citizens, as they might violate fundamental EU principles regarding freedom of movement.
Prominent figures have drawn parallels between these deportation orders and the actions taken by the Trump administration in the United States against pro-Palestinian student protesters.
Marcus Jähnke, a spokesperson for the Berlin Immigration Office, confirmed that the decision to revoke the residence permits of these individuals is connected to a protest where “masked individuals” caused property damage, including graffiti.
Details regarding any charge against the individuals remain scarce, with the Berlin Senate Department for the Interior and Sport stating that criminal proceedings remain ongoing.
Alexander Gorski, a criminal defense and migration attorney representing some of these activists, is currently appealing the deportation requirement set for April 21.
Irish citizen Shane O’Brien has successfully secured an emergency injunction that allows him to remain in Germany until a full hearing regarding his case occurs.
Gorski expresses confidence that the other three demonstrators will also obtain similar legal relief, permitting them to remain in Germany during their appeal process.
Roberta Murray, an Irish artist facing deportation, recounts her shock upon learning of the deportation order while grocery shopping.
Murray, who has lived in Berlin for three years and has no prior criminal convictions, asserts her right as an EU citizen to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
“I spoke to my lawyer and she said deportation can take a couple of years, and that we would fight it in the courts,” Murray explained.
In March, she received an extended notice from the Berlin Immigration Office warning, “If you do not voluntarily leave the country by April 21, you are hereby threatened with deportation to Ireland.”
Cooper Longbottom, a student from Seattle studying for a master’s degree in social work, received a similar threat, expressing his astonishment at the lack of formal charges against him.
“I hadn’t expected it to go this way at all,” Longbottom stated.
Both Murray and Longbottom continue their studies and work in Berlin while contesting their deportation.
Each of them has expressed a determination not to leave.
“I live here with my partner.
I work in a café.
I make art here.
I have a studio,” said Murray.
“We all feel very defiant and confident that this won’t pass through the legal system.”
Despite the authorities citing ongoing criminal proceedings, Gorski emphasizes that none of the deportees have criminal records or charges made against them.
He pointed out the lack of transparency, saying, “We haven’t even seen the files yet, so we don’t even know what exactly our individual clients are accused of doing that day.”
Polish citizen Kasia Wlaszczyk, also facing deportation, confirmed she had received the same notification and is pursuing legal avenues.
In an op-ed for the Guardian newspaper, Wlaszczyk shared their intention to file a motion for interim relief against the April 21 deadline and to challenge the deportation legally.
The controversial aspect of the deportation stems from the justification by the German Immigration Office, which cites the principle of Staatsräson.
The letter to Murray states, “The right of Israel to exist, its protection, and the integrity of the State of Israel are matters of German state policy,” emphasizing Germany’s historical responsibility toward Jewish people.
The letter further asserts that any opposition movements within Germany should not undermine this position.
Gorski criticized this rationale, describing it as politically charged rather than legally binding.
“The Staatsräson, meaning the unconditional solidarity of Germany with the Israeli state, is not a legal concept, it’s a political concept,” he stated.
Support for the deportation plans has emerged from the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
In reaction to these developments, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced he would raise the case of the Irish nationals with German authorities.
Longbottom noted that he has not yet received communication from the Trump administration regarding his situation.
The U.S. State Department confirmed its awareness of the incident involving an American citizen and emphasized the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad as its highest priority.
As the situation unfolds, the legal battle continues, and the deportees hold onto the hope that justice will prevail within the German legal system.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/04/20/g-s1-60984/germany-deportation-protesters
