Turkey Detains 169 Migrant Smugglers and 783 Irregular Migrants in Nationwide Raids

Major Crackdown on Irregular Migration and Human Smuggling

Nationwide Operation Targets Smuggling Networks

Turkish security forces have conducted a massive nationwide operation against migrant smuggling and irregular migration. The coordinated raids, which took place yesterday, resulted in the detention of 169 smuggling organizers and 783 individuals found to be in the country illegally.

Extensive Security Operations Across 81 Provinces

The operation was executed simultaneously across all 81 provinces of Turkey. Under the coordination of the Immigration Administration, Gendarmerie General Command, and Coast Guard Command, a significant force was deployed to key locations.

• 27,347 personnel were involved in the raids.


• Operations were carried out by 8,690 security teams.


• Checks were conducted at 5,761 separate points.





Widespread Checks and Detentions




During the nationwide operation, security forces performed identity checks on 430,454 people. The crackdown focused on locations frequently used by smuggling networks and irregular migrants.





• 6,897 public venues were inspected.


• 3,892 abandoned buildings were searched.


• 457 transportation terminals were controlled.

Of the 169 smuggling organizers detained, 132 were identified as foreign nationals, highlighting the international dimension of these criminal networks.

Deportation Procedures Initiated for Irregular Migrants

Following their detention, deportation procedures have been initiated for the 783 irregular migrants. Turkish authorities emphasized that the process is conducted with respect for human rights and legal norms.

The Interior Ministry stated that Turkey's migration management model upholds the rule of law, public security, and respect for human rights, serving as an example to the world. The operation underscores the country's commitment to combating illegal migration while maintaining its humanitarian values.