The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is at the center of a brewing controversy in Karlsruhe thanks to the distribution of flyers that starkly resemble airline tickets, aimed at individuals with migration backgrounds.

This political maneuver, labeled as 'deportation tickets,' has spurred a police investigation amid allegations of discriminative intent.

The provocative flyers present themselves like conventional flight tickets, brazenly addressed to 'illegal immigrants,' and set a symbolic departure coinciding with the coming federal election on February 23. They detail an imaginary journey 'From: Germany – To: Safe Country of Origin,' with AfD conspicuously named as the departure gate, and the supposed traveler labeled simply as 'illegal immigrant.' Each flyer bears the provocative slogans 'Only remigration can save Germany' and 'Home is nice too,' imbuing the flyers with a clear partisan message.

Public backlash has been swift and critical, not least from the Left Party, which swiftly filed reports leading to an ongoing investigation by the Karlsruhe Police Department into potential legal breaches by the AfD's local campaigners.

Sahra Mirow, state chairwoman of Baden-Württemberg's Left Party, characterized the flyers as divisive and inflammatory, announcing intentions to pursue legal action against the AfD for incitement and threats.

In defense, the AfD has claimed this was a localized effort, separate from national oversight and intentions.

Both regional and federal spokespeople distanced the central party from this campaign, clarifying that the activity was unauthorized at the national level and refusing additional comment.

The AfD's Karlsruhe branch has argued that the flyers were not solely targeted at migrants but were a broader effort addressing all potential voters.

Their objective is the distribution of approximately 30,000 such flyers, with templates made accessible for other regional affiliates.

Fueling further debate, images of the flyer shared on social media networks have sparked widespread discourse.

Notably, a brief appearance of these flyers on the Facebook page of the AfD's Göppingen branch was confirmed by their local chairperson, Sandro Scheer.

He stated the campaign's intention was to raise awareness about illegal immigration without targeting specific communities.

This incident amplifies an ongoing dialogue around immigration policies in Germany, notably involving the departure of those deemed illegal migrants.

As investigative and public discourse unfold, the incident reflects deeper tensions within German society over immigration and integration, challenging both political rhetoric and public opinion, and casting a spotlight on the AfD's provocative methods in a fractious political landscape.