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A nationwide operation targeting human smuggling networks and irregular migration led to the detention of 21 human smugglers—one of them a foreign national—and 547 irregular migrants, Türkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced Friday.
Ülke genelinde göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörleri ve düzensiz göçe yönelik düzenlenen denetimlerimizde 1’i yabancı uyruklu olmak üzere toplam:
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) May 2, 2025
⛔️ 21 göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörü ve
⛔️ 420 bin 269 kişinin kimlik kontrolünün yapıldığı denetimlerde 547 düzensiz göçmen… pic.twitter.com/8NyX9OHakP
The extensive inspections, coordinated by the Presidency of Migration Management and carried out by the General Directorate of Security, Gendarmerie General Command, and Coast Guard Command, were conducted at derelict buildings, public entertainment venues, truck garages, terminals, ports, and public transport stops and stations.
Minister Yerlikaya shared the update on his social media account, stating: "In our nationwide inspections targeting human smuggling networks and irregular migration, 21 human smugglers—including one foreign national—were detained. During the operations, identity checks were conducted on 420,269 individuals, and 547 irregular migrants were apprehended."
According to the minister's statement, inspections were held at 15,469 locations, including:
A total of 28,630 personnel and 9,152 teams were deployed across 5,684 checkpoints nationwide.
Authorities confirmed that the repatriation process has begun for the 547 detained irregular migrants.
"Türkiye, in migration management, respecting human rights and freedoms, adhering to the values of law and civilization, never compromising public order and security, presents an exemplary model to the entire world," Yerlikaya said in his statement.
"We address the issue of migration in all its dimensions, such as regular and irregular migration, international protection, voluntary, safe and honorable return, combating migrant smuggling and border management," he added.
The minister also commended the governors, district governors, police, gendarmerie, coast guard, and migration management personnel for their efforts.
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