The vigilantes, who pulled cars over and even inspected trunks, say they took action because authorities are failing to secure the border and stem the flow of asylum seekers entering the country. “Nothing is happening. Then we’ll do it ourselves,” said one activist, as cited by Algemeen Dagblad.
The action, although brief, drew sharp criticism from police and government officials. The municipality of Westerwolde and Dutch police released a joint statement declaring that “citizens are forbidden to stop cars” and that such actions “create enormously dangerous situations” and are “really unacceptable.” The vigilantes are believed to have violated road traffic laws, though it is unclear whether any formal charges will be brought.
One vehicle stopped by the group turned out to be a German police van. The officers promptly ordered the group to leave German soil, threatening to tow their vehicles if they did not comply. The activists relocated their checkpoint to a parking lot on the Dutch side of the border and continued stopping traffic from Germany.
The group, reportedly organized via Facebook, primarily includes residents from the municipality of Westerwolde.
Outgoing Justice and Migration Minister David van Weel, of the center-right VVD, responded by urging the group to stop. “I understand the frustration, but I really call on this group not to do this,” he said. “Let the police and military police do their job and abide by the law.” Van Weel acknowledged the Netherlands “cannot handle the current influx,” but insisted that border enforcement must remain the responsibility of the authorities.
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