Xenophobia Grows in Turkey: Ten of thousands of foreigners brutalized by police

In the lead-up to the municipal elections in March, Turkey is experiencing a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by economic crises and xenophobic narratives in media and politics. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has intensified immigration laws, leading to mass detentions and deportations, raising concerns about human rights violations. The crackdown includes mobile police checkpoints in markets and public spaces, resulting in the apprehension of thousands, including legal residents and asylum seekers. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya aims to combat irregular immigration, emphasizing effective in-country apprehension and swift deportation to reduce pressure and create a deterrent effect. The situation has left many immigrants fearful, hindering their ability to earn a living and renew visas.