Poland Deploys Army to Borders with Germany and Lithuania to Curb Illegal Migration

Warsaw, Poland – July 5, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of border security, the Polish government has announced the deployment of its national army to the country’s western and northeastern frontiers, specifically the borders with Germany and Lithuania. The move comes as Warsaw seeks to stem what it calls a “surge” in illegal migration into Poland.

The announcement was made during an emergency press conference held this morning by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who stated that the government would “not hesitate to use all available means” to protect Poland’s sovereignty and maintain control over its borders.

“We are witnessing unprecedented pressures on our borders. Illegal crossings have risen sharply in recent months, often facilitated by organized networks operating across Europe,” Morawiecki said. “We are now taking decisive action to restore order.”

Army to Support Border Guard

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that several battalions have been mobilized to assist the Polish Border Guard in what is being described as a coordinated operation to prevent unauthorized entry. Troops will establish checkpoints, reinforce border fencing, and conduct patrols alongside surveillance drones and thermal imaging systems.

According to Polish authorities, the majority of migrants attempting to cross are entering through Germany, with others moving through the Suwałki Gap — a narrow but strategic corridor along the Lithuania border.

Rising Tensions with EU Neighbors

The move is likely to trigger political tensions within the European Union, especially with Berlin and Vilnius. Germany has yet to officially respond to the deployment, though sources in Brussels suggest concerns over free movement within the Schengen Zone could become a flashpoint in upcoming EU Council meetings.

Human rights organizations and migrant advocacy groups have condemned Poland’s decision, warning of potential humanitarian consequences. “Militarizing borders is not a solution. It risks escalating violence and ignores the root causes of migration,” said Marta Lewandowska, a spokesperson for Refugee Rights Europe.

Domestic Support and Political Impact

Domestically, the move is expected to bolster support for the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has made national security and anti-immigration policies a central pillar of its platform. Recent polls show a sharp divide in public opinion, with a growing segment of the population demanding tougher border control amid wider European concerns over irregular migration flows.

This latest development underscores ongoing fractures within the EU over migration policy, border management, and the balance between humanitarian obligations and national sovereignty .