Türkiye detains over 1,200 irregular migrants in 2 weeks
Police officers in Edirne carry out an operation to catch irregular migrants, Edirne, Türkiye, Nov. 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has continued its efforts to combat human smuggling and irregular migration from March 24 to April 6. Over this period, a total of 1,200 irregular migrants were detained across various provinces.
Security forces carried out extensive inspections, leading to legal action against the detainees. Notably, the Ramadan Bayram period saw a significant increase in migrant detentions due to intensified inspections. In addition, 57 individuals were arrested on charges of human smuggling.
Rise in irregular migrant detentions during Eid al-Fitr
The Eid al-Fitr holiday marked a peak in irregular migration to Türkiye. From the start of the holiday, large-scale nationwide operations by security forces played a critical role in preventing unlawful migration.
Between April 1 and April 5, more than 696 irregular migrants were detained in operations specifically focused on the Eid period. These operations mainly targeted border regions to prevent illegal crossings.
Mugla: 98 near Fethiye and Bodrum
In Mugla province, the Coast Guard Command detained 98 irregular migrants during operations near Fethiye and Bodrum. On March 24, a rubber boat carrying 45 migrants was intercepted off the coast of Fethiye. Most of the detainees were from Afghanistan and Syria. Similarly, 53 migrants were captured off the coast of Bodrum while attempting to cross into Greece by boat.
Edirne: 220 migrants detained at the border
Edirne, one of Turkiye’s busiest migration routes, saw 220 irregular migrants detained between March 25 and April 1. These migrants were trying to cross into Greece from areas near the border villages of Edirne. In addition, five people were arrested for their involvement in human smuggling.
Canakkale: 180 migrants detained in Ayvacik and Ayvalik
In Canakkale, 180 irregular migrants were detained in operations starting March 28. Coast guard teams carried out four separate operations off Ayvacik’s coast, rescuing the migrants. Most of those detained were from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran. In addition, four human trafficking networks were disrupted, and eight suspects were arrested.
Izmir: Migrant detentions in Dikili and Cesme
Intensive operations were also conducted in the districts of Dikili and Cesme in Izmir. On March 31, 52 irregular migrants were detained off the coast of Dikili. Two days later, 42 more migrants were rescued near Cesme. The majority of those detained in Cesme were attempting to reach Greece by boat.
Van: 70 migrants rescued from Lake Van
In Van, an operation on April 3, led to the detention of 70 irregular migrants on Lake Van. A four-person smuggling ring was arrested for attempting to assist the migrants in crossing from Turkiye to Iran by boat.
On April 2, 14 irregular migrants were found hidden in the seats of a minibus in Osmaniye. The driver and two passengers were arrested for human smuggling.
Artvin: Human smuggling operation in Yusufeli
In Artvin’s Yusufeli district, another human smuggling operation took place on April 4. Authorities detained six irregular migrants and arrested two suspects involved in trafficking. The migrants were handed over to the Immigration Administration for deportation.
Sakarya: 100 migrants, 8 human smuggling suspects arrested
On April 4, 100 irregular migrants were detained in Sakarya. These migrants had been brought into the province with the intent to cross into Greece illegally. Among the detainees, 60 were from Afghanistan and 40 from Syria. Eight people were arrested for their involvement in human trafficking.
Kirklareli: 54 migrants detained in Pehlivankoy
In Kirklareli, 54 irregular migrants were detained on April 6 in an operation near Pehlivankoy. These migrants had been waiting for an opportunity to cross the border. Three individuals were arrested for human smuggling.
Total of 1,200 migrants detained
Between March 24 and April 6, 2025, Turkiye detained a total of 1,200 irregular migrants, most of whom were from Afghanistan, Syria and Iran. After completing the legal procedures, these migrants were transferred to the Immigration Administration for deportation.
57 arrested for human smuggling
During this period, 57 individuals were arrested for human smuggling. Authorities also seized counterfeit passports and vehicles used to transport migrants. The arrested suspects were referred to the judiciary for further legal action.
