Türkiye steps up crackdown on irregular migration, detains over 500 in a week

Between March 17 and March 26, Turkish authorities carried out a series of operations targeting irregular migration, resulting in the detention of over 500 irregular migrants and the arrest of over 30 human traffickers.

These operations, conducted across various provinces by both land and sea, are part of Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal migration and disrupt human trafficking networks.

Nationwide operations against irregular migration

Turkish law enforcement and border security teams have intensified their efforts to combat illegal migration.

Operations were carried out in Tekirdag, Van, Amasya, Izmir, Balikesir, Bitlis, Kirklareli, Canakkale, Bursa, Edirne, Mugla, and Erzurum. These operations focused on intercepting human traffickers and preventing irregular migrants from entering the country.

In Tekirdag, local police stopped two vehicles suspected of trafficking migrants and detained three Afghan nationals. Additionally, three suspects were arrested on human trafficking charges.

In Amasya, an ambulance was intercepted on the Amasya-Tasova road, where an Afghan migrant was found hidden on a stretcher. Three suspects were arrested, with one held in custody and the others released under judicial control.

Sea rescues and interceptions

The Coast Guard Command played a key role in rescuing migrants attempting to cross the sea illegally. On March 18, 28 migrants, including 13 children, were rescued from a rubber boat trying to reach Lesbos (Midilli), Greece. The boat was intercepted off the coast of Ayvalik, a district in Balikesir.

On March 23, operations along the coasts of Cesme and Dikili in Izmir led to the rescue of 55 migrants. These migrants had been pushed back into Turkish waters by Greek authorities.

The coast guard rescued 19 migrants, including four children, from a rubber boat off Cesme.

In Dikili, 36 migrants were rescued from two life rafts. Additionally, nine irregular migrants were detained on land in Seferihisar, where two human traffickers were arrested.

Targeting human trafficking networks

Turkish authorities have been targeting human trafficking rings in coordinated raids. In Erzurum, five individuals were arrested on charges of smuggling irregular migrants.

Over multiple operations, 20 irregular migrants were detained, and 15 suspects were arrested for trafficking-related offenses. Five of those arrested were remanded in custody, while the others faced legal proceedings.

In Kirklareli, a major transit point for migrants attempting to enter Bulgaria, authorities apprehended 11 people for human trafficking.

They also discovered 260 irregular migrants smuggled into Türkiye. After their arrest, the suspects were charged with human trafficking, and five traffickers were detained. Six vehicles used in the operation were seized.

Türkiye’s ongoing commitment

Türkiye, as a key transit country for migrants heading to Europe, continues to play a significant role in addressing irregular migration.

The country has increased law enforcement along its borders and strengthened international cooperation to combat human trafficking and manage migration flows effectively.

As a result of these operations, over 500 irregular migrants were detained, with many transferred to Provincial Migration Directorates for processing. The detained individuals are either set to be deported or placed in detention centers. More than 30 human traffickers were arrested in the operations, highlighting the intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks.

Deportation, detention procedures

Türkiye enforces strict procedures for handling irregular migrants. After detention, migrants undergo processing at the Migration Management Directorate, after which they are either deported or placed in detention centers. Those arrested for trafficking face criminal charges and potential imprisonment.