Nationwide crackdown on irregular migration in Türkiye: 634 migrants detained

Between March 10 and 15, 2025, Turkish security forces carried out a series of nationwide operations targeting irregular migration.

As a result, 634 migrants attempting to cross the country illegally were detained, along with several suspected human smugglers.

Increased operations in the Aegean, Marmara regions

Authorities intensified efforts in key border provinces, leading to multiple arrests. Security forces detained 13 migrants in Canakkale’s Ayvacik district, 18 in Edirne, nine in Kirklareli, and eight in Balikesir.

In a major maritime operation, the Turkish Coast Guard intercepted a fishing boat off the coast of Canakkale en route to Italy. A total of 109 migrants, including 22 children, were rescued, while three suspected human smugglers—from Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan—were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, security forces detained 72 migrants, including 16 children, in Mugla’s Fethiye district and Izmir’s Karaburun and Foca districts. One suspected human smuggler was also arrested.

Arrests in Central, Eastern Anatolia

Security forces in Konya arrested two human smugglers following a high-speed police chase. The suspects, both foreign nationals, attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Two irregular migrants found in their vehicle were transferred to deportation centers.

In Kars and Bitlis, a total of 23 irregular migrants were detained and processed for deportation by the respective provincial migration authorities.

Nationwide inspections in major cities

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that coordinated inspections were conducted in 28 major cities, leading to the detention of 87 irregular migrants and the arrest of a human smuggler. These inspections carried out at airports, bus terminals, and train stations are part of Türkiye’s intensified migration control measures.

In a separate operation, authorities in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district captured 287 irregular migrants as part of an ongoing crackdown since the beginning of the year. Officials also sealed 18 illegally rented properties and imposed fines totaling ₺2.4 million ($65.435)* on property owners.

*$1= ₺36,68

Anti-smuggling operations in Mediterranean region

Efforts to combat human smuggling networks continued in Mersin and Hatay, where five suspects were arrested in a joint operation. Two were remanded in custody, while the others were released under judicial control.

In Tarsus, security forces detained nine irregular migrants during a coordinated crackdown on illegal migration.

Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to border security

Turkish authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to combating irregular migration and dismantling smuggling networks.

Officials emphasized that strict border controls and nationwide inspections will continue to prevent Türkiye from being used as a transit route for illegal migration. Migrants detained in these operations are now undergoing deportation procedures.