In a developing situation in Berlin, four pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland, Poland, and the United States are facing deportation orders from German immigration authorities, citing public safety concerns.

The Berliner Ausländerbehörde has mandated that these individuals leave Germany by April 21, 2025, or face removal.

This action follows various allegations related to their participation in protests against Israeli government actions in Gaza.

The accusations against the activists include resisting law enforcement during a protest dispersal, significant public disorder, insults, and the use of prohibited symbols and slogans, specifically the phrase 'From the River to the Sea.' Additional allegations pertain to antisemitic and anti-Israel statements made during demonstrations.

The events leading to these charges reportedly included a sit-in at Berlin's main train station, a street blockade, and an occupation of the Free University of Berlin.

In the latter incident, all four activists were allegedly involved, with claims of university staff being threatened and property being damaged.

To date, none of the implicated individuals have been convicted of any offense; in fact, one of the cases involving accusations of insults resulted in an acquittal.

Despite the lack of convictions, the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) argues that these activists represent a 'current threat to public safety and order.' The rationale for the immigration enforcement action appears to stem from claims that securing Israel's safety is part of Germany's national interest.

Internal discussions within the LEA reportedly highlighted concerns over deporting three EU citizens, given that higher barriers exist under EU freedom of movement laws for expelling such individuals.

The head of the LEA's Countercrime and Repatriation department expressed her inability to fulfill the order to revoke these EU citizens' rights to free movement, citing the absence of convictions in any of the alleged criminal cases.

Engelhard Mazanke, the LEA director, also opposed the deportation directive.

However, despite internal dissent, the Berlin Senate Administration maintained its position that the deportations were warranted, instructing the LEA to proceed with the orders.

Legal representation for the activists has characterized the government's approach as alarming and indicative of a troubling precedent.

Alexander Gorski, an attorney for two of the affected individuals, warned that the actions mirrored tactics associated with extreme right movements, reminiscent of recent deportation cases in the United States against activists critical of Israel.

Gorski further highlighted the legal principle that while it is possible to deport non-nationals without a conviction, such actions must demonstrate proportionality, which he argues is not present in this case.

If the deportations are executed, the consequences would be severe for the activists involved.

The American activist, a transgender individual, would be barred not only from Germany but also from the entire Schengen Area.

The Polish activist faces deportation to a country she has not lived in since she was ten years old, potentially disrupting her established life in Germany, where she has lived for several years.