In Poland, so-called «community patrols» are becoming more active — these are unofficial groups, some of whose members stage street protests and use anti-immigration rhetoric against foreigners, particularly Ukrainians. The Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza has also reported on conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic remarks within this milieu. Human rights activists warn that such rhetoric may fuel prejudice and violence.
Briefly about the main points
- «Community patrols» are not units of the Polish police.
- They are not permitted to check documents or detain people on the basis of mere suspicion.
- The police have recorded 30 patrols involving 953 participants since September 2024.
- In Girardoux, following the march, a hostel where foreigners were staying was attacked.
- In early September, the movement announced that it was resuming its activities following a hiatus.
What rights do members of «community patrols» have?»
Citizens’ Patrol It is not a state body and does not have the powers of the Polish police. Its members remain ordinary citizens with the same rights as everyone else.
Even «The Confederation», in its guidance on such patrols, stated that participants may not independently check documents, carry out searches or body searches, or detain a person solely on the basis of their own suspicions.
The law permits citizen’s arrest only when a person is caught in the act of committing a crime. They must then be handed over to the police.
The police documented the activities of these groups, whilst the ombudsman warned of the risks
In 2024, the Polish Ombudsman Marcin Wionczek He contacted the Police Headquarters to enquire about the scale of such groups« activities. Since the beginning of September that year, the police had recorded 30 »patrols’, in which a total of 953 people had taken part.
The police reported that they had been monitoring the events and responding to any possible breaches of the law. Ombudsman stressed that statements hostile towards foreigners can exacerbate prejudice and create a risk of violence against specific groups.
In Girardou, an attack on a hostel was reported following the march
The Polish media reported on an incident in Żyrardów, where marchers split into groups after dark. According to eyewitness accounts, one of these groups attacked a hostel where foreign nationals were staying.
It was reported that the attackers damaged doors and windows, smashed property and threw objects. The hostel’s residents included nationals of Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan. This case concerned a specific incident reported by the media.
The movement continued its protests in 2026
In June, representatives of Patrol Obywatelski took part in a large anti-immigration demonstration in Wrocław. The organisers described the event as a protest against «mass immigration».
In early September, the Confederation’s Citizens’ Patrol announced that it was resuming its activities following the summer break. During one of its events in Mizhles, representatives of the group met with local authorities and the police.
Anti-immigration rhetoric may pose a particular risk to Ukrainians living in Poland. The Ombudsman points out that every person, regardless of their background or nationality, has the right to safety and protection from discrimination.
