Germany Issues Travel Warning Against the U.S.: ‘Be Vigilant’

Germany is issuing new guidance to its citizens planning to travel to the United States amid ongoing protests with immigration officials.

On Monday, Jan. 26, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office updated its U.S. “Travel and Safety Advice” page on its website to include new warnings about ongoing events that could impact travel plans. 

One of the warnings includes “demonstration/clashes” with immigration officials.

“In Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with immigration and security authorities,” the guidance says. 

The note further warns travelers to “check the local media for updates” and to “be vigilant and stay away from crowds where violence might occur.”

Thousands have gathered in Minneapolis and other cities to speak out against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers enforcing President Donald Trump’s heightened deportation efforts. The agencies have come under mass scrutiny after Renee Good was fatally shot in her car by an ICE agent on Jan. 7 and ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a Border Patrol officer on Jan. 24. 

Germany’s guidance further advises travelers that “identification requirements exist in several states,” and instructs its citizens to “remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities and local security forces.”

During a Federal Foreign Office press conference on Jan. 26, before the warnings were issued, deputy spokesperson for the federal government, Sebastian Hille, said the country is “closely monitoring the events in Minneapolis.” 

“As you know, we are closely monitoring the situation in all counties our citizens travel to, and in this case, we are paying particularly close attention,” he said in a translated transcript.

He added: “As a matter of principle, the German government – ​​as we have already stated – does not comment on the domestic affairs of its partners. What we do, of course, is continuously review, evaluate, and, if necessary, update the travel and security advice issued by the Federal Foreign Office worldwide. If an update is required, we will inform you.”

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In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., said their U.S. travel advisory is “constantly being evaluated and updated.”

“The ‘current’ section right now refers to the winter storm and possible effects on travel. In the same vein we have temporarily included a reference to demonstrations/clashes, recommending to stay informed through local media,” they said.

According to USA Today, this isn’t the first time Germany has warned citizens about visiting the U.S.

Last year, Germany and the United Kingdom issued travel advisories reminding travelers a valid visa or ESTA authorization does not guarantee entry after a string of detainments, arrests and denials of foreign nationals into the country.