Turkish migrants’ nightmare: Cartels exploit desperation on US journey
Migrants from across the globe wait for Border Patrol in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, which is further inland from San Diego, June 10, 2024 (Photo via James Breeden for the New York Post)
The journey from Türkiye to the United States is often perceived as a path of opportunity, but for many Turkish citizens, it has turned into a nightmare. In recent years, there has been a troubling trend of migrants falling victim to ruthless cartels that exploit their desperation.
Türkiye Today exposes the dark realities of this migration journey through exclusive reports and interviews conducted by the Turkish daily Gercek Gundem.
Journey full of despair for Turkish migrants
For many Turks, the journey to the United States carries the hope of a better life, with the journey costing around $12,500. However, the path described here is fraught with danger.
After deals and payments are made in Türkiye, the first leg of the journey takes them to Kuwait. From there, they travel to Brazil via Ethiopia. After Brazil, they head to El Salvador, with a stopover in Bogota. Bogota is crucial; from there, they enter Mexico by land. There’s even a possibility of stopping in La Paz along the way. Eventually, they arrive in Mexico City before heading to Tijuana, where they await their chance to cross the border.
As they navigate this unknown territory, they become vulnerable to the predatory practices of organized crime. Cartels reportedly lure these desperate individuals with promises of safe passage, only to trap them in networks of violence and abuse.
Are Turkish citizens being held captive in Mexico?
It is alarming that a gang leader who organized this migration process told Gercek Gundem that recent migrants were captured after entering a control checkpoint run by a different cartel and were subsequently taken prisoner.
The gang leader revealed that captives are held at gunpoint, with demands for a ransom of $30,000 from their families in Türkiye.
The fate of those taken hostage is often tragic. They endure appalling conditions and face both physical and psychological abuse.
In a related article, the father of a Turkish citizen who undertook the journey shares his heartbreaking experience. He claims that a group, including his son, is being held hostage by cartels in Mexico.
Disturbing evidence of captivity
The anonymous father sent three videos featuring his son to Gercek Gundem, with the condition that they not be published. One video allegedly shows nearly 10 Turkish citizens, including women, lined up.
Reports indicate that some of them bear visible signs of beating, with one woman appearing particularly injured. Their faces were filmed individually and sent to Türkiye through the cartel, accompanied by a ransom demand of $70,000.
The other two videos were recorded at the U.S. border, showing the individuals waiting in a shack to cross. The father recounts his distressing experiences.
Role of human rights organizations
International human rights organizations are increasingly drawing attention to this crisis. Reports indicate a rising number of cases involving Turkish migrants. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent measures to protect these vulnerable individuals.
Experts emphasize the need for governments to cooperate in dismantling these kidnapping networks. “This issue is not just about illegal migration; it’s about human lives,” said a representative of a non-governmental organization. “We need to create safe and legal migration routes to prevent such tragedies.”
This crisis transcends national borders and demands a global response. Raising awareness and educating people about the dangers of illegal migration is crucial. Many families remain unaware of the risks, believing that the journey offers a brighter future.
The plight of Turkish citizens ensnared by cartels calls for immediate action. As survivor stories emerge, the urgency to protect human rights and establish safer migration routes becomes paramount. This shared responsibility lies not only with governments but also with society as a whole, to ensure these voices are heard and to safeguard future generations from such tragedies.
Rising numbers: Turkish citizens’ illegal entry into US
The number of Turkish citizens entering the United States illegally via the borders of Mexico and Canada has reached 50,000. According to the latest official data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, nearly 50,000 Turkish citizens were apprehended by security forces while attempting to enter the country as asylum seekers through both the Mexico and Canada borders.
The agency’s data indicates that 48,539 Turkish citizens have been detected illegally crossing into the U.S. from the Mexico and Canada borders to seek asylum. The number of Turkish citizens using the Canada border for asylum remains limited to 1,298 individuals. It has been observed that a significant majority of Turkish citizens prefer to use the Mexico border for their illegal entry into the U.S. as asylum seekers.
