The former Saxon integration commissioner, CDU politician Geert Mackenroth, has spoken out in favor of centralizing deportation proceedings at the federal level. “Every German immigration office currently handles these cases differently,” the lawyer told the *Leipziger Volkszeitung*. Local immigration offices are also overwhelmed by deportation procedures. As a result, Mackenroth believes too little is being done in cases involving violent offenders and serious criminals. Furthermore, he noted that immigration authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit suitable and trained staff due to numerous legal pitfalls. “I would therefore be in favor of centralizing the procedures nationwide. If the federal government sets the rules, it should also enforce them. After all, it always has the support of the local police,” Mackenroth continued. Mackenroth served as a member of the Saxon state parliament for about 15 years and was Saxony’s integration commissioner from 2014 until last year. From 2004 to 2009, he also served as Saxony’s minister of justice. He did not run for reelection in the 2024 state election. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved