Migration: AfD-Chef Chrupalla geht überraschend auf Distanz zu Trumps Politik

AfD leader Tino Chrupalla sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's immigration policies in his weekly video address, particularly targeting the actions of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This stance within his own party drew significant opposition. Chrupalla emphasized that to effectively regulate migration, one must avoid division but seek broad support, stating, "Not enemy images, but understanding unites citizens."

The harsh enforcement tactics of ICE contributed to Trump's policies becoming less popular in recent months. In December, the situation escalated when the Minnesota Homeland Security Department deployed thousands of ICE agents, both armed and disguised, in the state. In early January, 37-year-old Renée Good was shot dead during an ICE operation.

The government claimed the officer's actions were self-defense, but video footage showed no immediate threat to the agents. Another fatal shooting occurred in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, when 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed during an ICE operation. While the US government stated the shots were in self-defense, the video suggested otherwise.

Chrupalla's criticism of ICE drew opposition from AfD deputy leader Sven Tritschler, who defended the agency's actions, stating, "If one believes that an asylum and migration crisis can be solved 'cuddly' without ugly TV images, they are on the wrong ship." Tritschler insisted that AfD supporters generally agree with his view, contrasting with the party's hardline approach to migration.

Several AfD state associations advocate for a more stringent migration policy, with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's calling for a "Return Police" to combat illegal migration and smuggling. The AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt plans to create a "Taskforce for Deportations" with extensive competencies, and Bavaria's AfD faction decided in January to establish an "Asylum, Investigation, and Deportation Group" (AFA), drawing parallels to ICE.

Some AfD politicians also maintain contact with former US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. Following two fatal shootings of US citizens by border agents in Minneapolis, Bovino was reassigned and prematurely retired. AfD parliamentarian Kay Gottschalk sought Bovino's advice at a "Remigration Summit" in Portugal, where he asked if mass deportations could be implemented in Europe.

Bovino responded, "Absolutely," adding, "I am only one phone call away." Chrupalla and Tritschler agreed on their criticism of Trump's foreign policy, with Chrupalla noting that Trump failed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours as promised and had initiated a war with Iran. Chrupalla attributed the US population's disappointment in 2024 to military conflicts, which led to high living costs and loss of life on both sides.

Tritschler agreed, stating that unnecessary wars did not make Trump more popular and contributed significantly to the midterms' outcome. Chrupalla argued that the US population had called for a peaceful policy in the 2024 election to secure and affordable life, which Trump should now follow to save his legacy.