Detained American dream: 15K Turkish citizens held after crossing US-Mexico border
Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico are lined up for processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (AP Photo)
Over 55,000 Turkish citizens have attempted to enter the United States through Mexico, with a significant number now detained.
Reports indicate that more than 15,000 Turkish citizens are currently held in U.S. immigration facilities after crossing the border illegally in search of asylum.
Rising numbers of Turkish asylum-seekers
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), between January 2021 and August 2024, a total of 55,808 Turkish citizens were apprehended while attempting to enter the U.S. illegally from both Mexico and Canada.
This surge in crossings highlights a growing trend among Turkish citizens seeking refuge in the United States.
Detainee situation
As reported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 15,151 Turkish citizens have been detained in U.S. facilities after their illegal border crossings.
These individuals are held in immigration detention centers, often referred to as “camps,” but described as “prisons” by those confined within.
Legal proceedings and release conditions
Turkish asylum-seekers are presented in court after being detained, where they apply for asylum. If a court accepts their request and a U.S. citizen agrees to sponsor them, they may be released from detention within a week to four months. However, some individuals have been deported back to Türkiye after their asylum applications were denied in court.
Changing dynamics at border
Victor M. Manjarrez Jr., a former senior officer with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a faculty member at the University of Texas, noted that new measures and policies at the border have led to a decrease in the number of individuals crossing from Mexico.
Despite this, he observed that the trend of Turkish nationals attempting to flee to the U.S. remains relatively unchanged compared to previous years.
The situation for Turkish citizens attempting to enter the United States via Mexico highlights the significant challenges and legal hurdles they face. As the numbers of those seeking asylum continue to grow, the complexities surrounding their journeys and the U.S. immigration system warrant close attention.
