In the state initial reception center (LEA) in Freiburg, there have been several arguments in the past few days, in which violence has been used.

Five police operations were needed within 15 hours to calm the situation.

According to the police, two groups of refugees are said to have gotten into a fight.

About 40 people took part in the riots, which began on Sunday.

On the one hand, there were refugees from North Africa, on the other hand, refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.

The people are said to have attacked each other with iron bars and knives.

The cause of the argument is said to have been a cigarette.

A spokesman for the Freiburg police spoke of a “very extreme situation”.

Police took nine people into temporary custody;

Ruediger Soldt

Political correspondent in Baden-Württemberg.

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The federal police were also called in.

During one of the operations, around 300 people gathered at the entrance to the LEA, so the police feared a further escalation.

On Monday, some refugees from North Africa apparently deliberately set off the fire alarm.

A few hours later, some refugees physically attacked LEA employees.

The Freiburg regional council wants to hold a crisis talk with the public prosecutor's office and the police this week.

On Tuesday, the police in Baden-Baden and in the Rastatt district searched numerous asylum accommodations.

The public prosecutor's office in Baden-Baden said it was about the suspicion of commercial trade in narcotics in the refugee homes.

Meanwhile, the number of refugees from Ukraine and asylum seekers in Baden-Württemberg continues to rise: In January, 2,731 Ukrainian war refugees reported to the authorities;

they get protection under the so-called EU Mass Influx Directive and receive social benefits without an asylum procedure.

At the same time, the number of asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan or Iran is also increasing: in January 1933 people applied, 400 more than in January last year.

For this reason, the state government is currently looking for new LEA locations.